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bohbee · 1 year

Text

Brothers reacting to MC getting hit!

Warnings: Blood, Hitting, Ass smacking, Manhandling, aggression, yelling.

Notes: This isn't proofread lmao

Part 2

Masterlist

Lucifer

Lucifers eyes glared at the group in RAD. His legs marched over to the commotion, and his crimson gaze landed on a succubus yelling at.... MC? He let out a heavy sigh and started raking through the crowd of demoms. Until a piercing sound of skin being hit rang through his ears. He looked back up only to find you on the floor, a gash on your lip, a large handprint painting your cheek. That's all it took for his demon form to emerge. The dark aura immediately caused everyone to disperse. Before the succubus could do any more, his hand grabbed their wrist tightly. "Go to Lord Diavolos office, I am sure he would love to learn about what I just saw." His voice was cold and intimidating. "If you attempt to run away, I will find you. You should know what that means." The succubus nodded and ran off to the Lords office. Lucifer kneeled down to your body, carefully grabbing it. "Let's go home."

His fingers delicately cleaned the wound on your lip, "You don't need to tell me anything. Just.... you need to stay near someone at all times, I'm serious, MC, something much worse could've happened." His voice sounded like he was scolding you in which he was, but he was mainly worried. "I know, Luci, I'm sorry." You said softly, and you wrapped your arms around his body carefully. "Thank you for everything." His heart tugged tightly in his chest, and he reciprocated the hug. "Of course, dear."

He softly kissed your forehead, "I don't understand how a human could place these feelings in me." He admitted, pulling you down into his grasp as he flopped on his bed. "Not just any human, your human." His chest swelled with intense pride in that moment, "You have never been more correct."

(Bonus: Diavolo sat happily in his office, writing away on a game week idea for RAD. Until his doors swung open, a pink haired succubus sobbing, he immediately got up to assess the situation but was stopped by Barbatos. "You may take a seat." The butler said to the succubus, she shuddered in fear, and sat in the far corner.

An hour went by, and Diavolo excused himself to answer Lucifers call. Only to return back to the room after a minute, his face enraged. "So." He started off deeply staring into the succubus eyes. "You think you can touch my exchange student?"

Poor pink haired girl)

Mammon

Mammon had invited you out to 'shop' with him, in which you, of course, agreed. Now, the two of you were in a crystal shop. "Hey, this one says prevents lava horse attacks. What kind of crystal does that?!" You asked, amazed at what the small crystal could do. Mammons eyes turned towards the gem in your hand, "Hey! There's one over there matching it perfectly. Stay here. I'll grab it." He said quickly, his body marched over to the other side of the store searching for the similar crystal.

You continued to look at the items around until you heard commotion, "Oi! I ain't stealin' anything. I'm just looking!" Mammons voice rang out. Most of the time, you'd think he was lying, but he literally just told you what he was doing. You walked over carefully, attempting to pull your dear crush from the situation. You reached for Mammons' hand "Lets-" your voice was cut off by a heavy hand slapping your arm away. The greedy demons eyes darkened as he turned into his demon form, growling, grabbing the owners arm.

"Who the hell do you think you are touching my human?" His grip got tighter, his sharp nails digging into the whimpering demon. "Never again." Was all he said before walking out, you in his arms. He grabbed a shit ton expensive crystals on the way out shoving them in his bag, not caring about the consequences. He pulled you to a bench, carefully sitting you down. His eyes immediately peered at your slightly bruised arm. "C'mon human, I could've handled it, y'know?" He said softly, "Let's go to the house, I'll take care of ya, not that I want to or anything..... just that y'know, humans are weak, and I'm your first!"

The two of you sat on your bed, his soft hands holding the ice pack on your arm. "Heh, remember the first time this happened." He said, laughing at the memory. "Yeah... you said to only come to you for help......" His eyes glistened at you, amazed at you remembering his words, "Thank you for helping me, Mams." You smiled softly at him, your lips softly pressed on his. "Oi- y-you can't just do that! B-but of course, the Great Mammon would help my human!" The two of you reminisced on moments the whole night before falling asleep in each other's arms.

(Bonus: Lucifer knocked on the door. After not getting a response, he opened it. He was shocked to see his younger brother cradling your body, even more so when he saw the expensive crystals lying around. "Mammon, why are there -" the eldest whispered in a scolding tone. "He hit them. I took his shit." The white-haired demon interrupted his older brother, in which he only nodded. "Text me the name of the place." He whispered yet again before walking towards the door, "Also, breakfast is ready." Lucifer left the room. Before walking to the dining room, he let a small smile grace his face. 'He finally found his person, the older brother thought.)

Leviathan

You sat with your boyfriend at a game convention in the human realm. It wasn't often that the two of you went on dates, but this was surely an exception. Your eyes fluttered to the screen, Leviathan once again beating a renowned gamer of the human realm. The human grew heated and threw the remote down, "Cheater!" He yelled out, causing both you and Levi to jump slightly.

"Huh?!?!" He said, placing down the controller. The dude placed his fingers in Leviathans face "fuckin' weeb, you think you're so clever cheating in front of the whole convention." His voice was filled with anger, definitely a sore loser. Your boyfriend scoffed, "As if I would ever cheat. A normie like you wouldn't understand the true art of video games!" He huffed, out, cleary annoyed at the accusations.

"Don't fucking speak to me like that." He spat at the purple-haired demon, pushing his shoulder slightly. A crowd formed around the three of you, "Don't fucking touch him!" You exclaimed, pushing the disgusting person back, gaining both of the male's attention. Before anyone could split up the fight, the males hand met your face, causing everyone to freeze in place. Leviathan sprung up, landing a solid punch on the dudes face, "Lotan will be visiting." He said before pulling you up, running outside the convention, and going to your hotel room.

His eyes scanned yours. "S-stupid normies," he muttered, his hands strictly staying at his sides. Fearful of touching you. You chucked softly at him, grabbing his hand, which shook slightly. "Thank you for protecting me, my Player #1!" His purple-orange irises widened. "Y-you did it first. I can't believe he put his filthy hands on you... now we can't enjoy our time. here." His voice was slightly shakey, his hands gripping yours tighter. "It's okay, Levi, we will go back tomorrow in our cosplay, alright?" A large smile and blush painted his face "y-yeah"

(Bonus: the two of you sat in the hotel room quietly, Levi was placing on his Ruri wig as you put on the taco mask. He made his way over to you, smiling heavily. No one had ever accepted him like you did. It truly made him feel special. "M-mc." He muttered, catching your attention. You hummed in response, "Could you..... close your eyes for me?" He asked quietly, and you smiled softly and closed your eyes. The mask on your face slightly lifted, slightly chapped lips placing themselves on your own. You opened your eyes in shock, only for a flash of Leviathan to run into the restroom.)

Satan

You and Satan sat in the Cat Café, reading books while cats cuddled into the two of you. "Ah, I'm going to use the restroom, alright Tannie?" He smiled softly at the nickname and nodded, not lifting his eyes from the page. A few minutes went by, and your body then left the restroom. Slowly walking over to your Fiancé, but a male sat in your seat flirting to a very irritated Satan. You walked over, cautiously staring at the situation at hand.

You huffed slightly, causing the male to stare at you disgusted. You grabbed a chair from another table and moved it towards Satan. However, the extra male slapped your hand. "Don't you see I'M talking to him!" His hand then gripped yours tightly, you went to go look for help from Satan but he was gone.

Suddenly, a loud crash was heard, the grip on your hand letting go. You turned your eyes to the person, only to see the blonde demon staring into his soul. True Wrath filling the room, somehow the cats aren't fazed. "Never. Touch. Them. Again." He said deeply, causing the male to cry out in fear, "Run. If I find you, you will be tortured." The male ran off from Satan's aura.

Your Fiancé sighed heavily, sitting back down. He motioned you to join him, in which you did. His hands softly grabbed your wrist, assessing the bruises slowly forming. "I will find him." He muttered lowly, causing you to sweat drop. "But.... I will not let this ruin our date." He requested some ice from the store along with a cat drink and kitten cookie for the two of you to share.

(Bonus: Satan came back to his room after the date. He laid you in his chest, softly kissing your sleeping head before he went shopping on his DDD for some book. 'The Art of Torture'......... '101 of Dignity Breaking'........ 'Soul Shattering Spells'....... he smiled softly as he ordered the books. He then opened the devilgram and looked up the page of the demon. Satan knew exactly who he was. Now, he just had to let him believe he truly got away.)

Asmodeus

The night was loud, Asmo had dragged you out to a new bar in town. He was exceptionally happy that you agreed to go with him. Currently, he was on the dance floor as you watched from aside him, giggling softly. You took another sip of your drink, and two people walked over and sat beside you. You looked at the time on your DDD, shit it was getting late. You huffed out and got up, going to grab your best friend. Only to be stopped by the two people "Some kind of fucking problem? We sat here, and you immediately left?!" The male shouted, you shook your head swiftly, "No- I just needed to go get someone."

He scoffed at you, his grip tightening on your arm, causing you to wince. "Pathetic human, its a shame they let such trash enter here." He spat at you, the female beside him giggling away. You looked in the direction of Asmo only for his back to face you. The male pulled you closer, "Humans are weak, right?" He asked the woman beside him, and she nodded and smiled.

You went to go pull away only for the male to smack your face. His hand then held your chin tightly, tears pricking your eyes. "HEY!" A loud voice rang out causing the male to look in annoyance, only for his demeanor to change "Ah! The renowned Asmodeus, care to join us in.... taking care of this pathetic thing.." He smirked slyly, Asmo quickly used his charm on him.

"Sit." The Strawberry Blonde said, his voice filled with hurt and anger. Your body tumbled backward as the larger male let go, only for the demon of lust to catch you. "The person who you call pathetic is the love of my life." He spat out at both demons, both affected by his charm. "Now, both of you, go out into the depths of the damned and never come back." He huffed out as soon as they left, "Hon, oh deary, I'm so sorry, let's go home."

He pulled you in his bathroom, carefully sitting you down on his bath. "Your beautiful skin, I am so sorry I left you, Hon. Truly, how could I ever repay you." He placed some cream on your face, which numbed the pain quickly. "It's alright, Asmo. I got you know. Heh, the love of your life~" you teased. The male-only nodded, causing you to blush heavily. "I meant what I said, MC"

(Bonus: After the two of you took care of your wounds, he led you to his bed. He apologized multiple times over the night, horrified at your bruises. However, he made it up by kissing you. Both of you made it official to the brothers the next day. Then the two of you had to explain the bruises......... that didn't sit well.)

Beelzebub

You sat in Café Lament, waiting for Beel to come back with the hoard of food. You took a sip of Bufo Egg Milk Tea. Your eyes locked on the orange head, who started to walk over, his arms filled with food. He settled the snacks down and sat on the chair. Only to sigh heavily, "I forgot the forks, hold on, I'll be back." He said, but you quickly grabbed his hand. "I got it, love. Don't worry. Go ahead and eat." He smiled a large smile before shoving his face with food, muttering a thank you.

You walked up to the grab section and grabbed many bamboo ware, preparing them to break in Beelz grasp. "Hey, hot stuff," someone said beside you. You shuffled your eyes to their body. Your brain grimaced at his appearance. He was obviously a sex crazed creep, trying to get you as his next prize. You gave a soft smile and went to walk towards Beel. Who had his eyes on you the whole time. As you walked, a sharp pain was shot through your ass, causing you to drop the bamboo ware. You whipped your head back only to find the man floored by Beel.

It was shocking, The Avatar of Gluttony was by NO means violent. So seeing him in such a fit of rage made your heart stop being for a second. "Leave." He said to the male, who scurried out of the Café. Everyone went back to their own business, Beel then turned his attention to you. "Are you okay, MC?" He asked softly, his arms wrapping around you. You nodded and hugged him back. "Let's go eat, Beely." He smiled again and pulled you to sit with him. Your body plopped into his lap, your ass still stinging a little. "Here I'll feed you." He mumbled with his mouth already full.

(Bonus: the two of you laid in the common room, Belphie taking up the other couch. "MC, I'm sorry he assaulted you like that." He mumbled to you. His eyes were saddened as he looked at you. "My Beel, you protected me! Stop saying it as if you did it." You giggled and kissed his lips. You looked back at the fireplace only to jump when an angry Belphie was in face. "Explain." He said. this was gonna be a long night.)

Belphegor

The two of you were dozing off in class. He was your seat partner, so it was quite difficult not to get affected by his drowsiness. Your head once again bounced while doing the work. There was a sub today, so the teacher just gave paper assignments. The bell rang loudly, causing you to jump. You softly shook Belphegors' shoulders, "Hmm?" He mumbled, causing you to smile. "C'mon, sleepyhead, it's time to go home." He nodded and slowly gathered his stuff.

You went to go walk out with Belph but was stopped by the substitute, "MC. Correct?" She said, annoyed, both you and the youngest brother turned around, "Ah yes, that's me." You mumbled, waiting for her to respond. "I need to have a word with you." She said, Belphie looked at you with hesitant eyes but walked to the door, "I'll be out here." He said.

The substitute glared at you as soon as the door closed. "You are so disrespectful." She spat at you, her body getting into your personal space. "Ah- I do apologize ma'am I am unsure of what you're talking about." She scoffed at you, her finger pointed in your face, "Sleeping while working! A disgusting human like you should know better!" You groaned heavily at her words, this again, each time someone new came to the school they thought they could speak to you however they wanted.

Your groan seemed to have pissed her off cause as soon as it left your lips, she slapped you and pushed you into a desk. The door flung open, and an infuriated Belphegor in his demon form stood in front of the substitute. He grabbed their jaw tightly, his nails digging into her skin. "Isn't so nice now, is it?!" He said with a malice filled grin, the woman shuttered in fear as she dropped to her knees. Belphie knelt down and whispered something in her ear before quickly grabbing you and rushing to the HOL.

He pulled you into the attic and huffed heavily, opening the mini fridge and grabbing some ice packs. He placed you on the bed and carefully handed you them. "I'm sorry, MC, I know it's annoying to always be looked down upon." He muttered. He carefully laid his body on yours after you settled the ice on your body. He whispered something, and suddenly intense relaxation hit you. He would do this whenever you were stressed or hurt. You closed your heavy eyes, Belphie sighed softly and kissed your shoulder before joining you to sleep.

(Bonus: Lucifer looked at his DDD, bewilderment hitting his face. It wasn't often that his youngest brother texted him, so he immediately opened it. His face grimaced at the message. It was an image of a dark bruise that was on your shoulder. 'What happened?' Lucifer typed. 'Substitute lost their shit on them, I messaged you this in defense, I gave them a heavy sleeping spell.' The eldest brother sighed out, of course. He would usually be mad, but this was proper punishment. 'No worries, good choice,' he texted back before closing his phone. "I'm gonna need to teach these demons a damn lesson.")

#obey me #obey me fanfic #obey me x reader #obey me x mc #mammon x reader #lucifer x reader #asmodeus x reader #leviathan x reader #satan x reader #beelzebub x reader #belphegor x reader

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tiredfox64 · 1 month

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I had an idea, I don't know how good this sounds but in the beginning of the MK1 story when the Lin Kuei trio attack Madame Bo's restaurant as an act to text Raiden and Kung Lao skills, the reader happens to be there as a traveler who also has fighting skills and fights off Smoke and finds out it's a test by Liu Kang who accepts being one of earthrealm's champions but has a hard time trusting Smoke after what happen and Smoke does everything he can to gain her trust?

Trust Me

Prior notes: Halfway through writing this the Ninja Storm theme song played in my head nonstop. I got distracted for an hour just listening to almost all the Power Rangers theme songs Σ(￣。￣ﾉ)ﾉ

Pairing: Tomas x Afab reader

Warnings ‼️: A few kicks and punches, we got those from our siblings.

You travel high and low, far and wide. The lands must be explored and experienced. Your current location? Fengjian Village in China. Quite a peaceful village actually with farmlands that stretch for many miles. You decided to rest for a moment at the tea house. Madame Bo was really nice to you, happy to have a lovely lady like you come in.

Little did you know that she was expecting you.

Lots of different people and personalities around here. You got a show as well. Two men fighting just to figure out who is paying tonight. It must have been serious because they were fighting for their lives. You can understand since the food was amazing.

The sun had set and the cool breeze blew through the tea house. You were finishing up your meal at the same time those two men were about to. In an instant the atmosphere became hostile. You looked up to see a man with silvery hair and gray attire harassing Madame Bo. You watched carefully, wary of this guy’s intentions. You jumped into action once you saw him attack Madame Bo and literally throw her over the balcony.

His eyes turned to you when he saw you running towards him. You were surprised by the smoke bomb he threw down. It made you cough which gave him the opportunity to attack you, causing you to hit the floor.

“You are brave, but against us? You are in over your head.” He mocked you.

“I don’t care who you are or what your purpose is. You will not be a nuisance to Madame Bo.” You declared before fighting him.

You fought viciously, as anyone would suspect. This guy had a few tricks up his sleeve. Magic that you’ve never seen before. Yet you stood your ground. While you were dealing with him those other two guys were fighting off the other assassins. Oh great there are two more who got some sort of freaky magic. Well at least they are taking care of that.

An amazing spectacle of kicking, punching, and slashing was performed by you and your opponent. After all that you managed to defeat him, leaving him lying on the ground. You moved quickly to check on Madame Bo who was…fine. No, really, she was. Standing up straight and smoking a cigarette like it was a normal Tuesday night. A man with glowing eyes approached you and you finally got the answers you needed.

This was all a test from Lord Liu Kang. You, Raiden, and Kung Lao were chosen to join Earthrealm’s champions. Liu Kang was thankful that you chose to visit Fengjian now since it made things easier.

He explained that the people who attacked were the Lin Kuei and that you fought Tomas aka Smoke. They weren’t thugs but were actually a clan that helped protect Earthrealm. You were still in shock about the whole thing. You couldn’t let your guard down fully even if you now know it was a test.

Liu Kang told you all that the Wu Shi Acadamy will help train you and prepare for the Mortal Kombat tournament. Looks like you will be staying in China for longer than you expected.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

Ever since Tomas fought you he has been dying to talk to you. He thought you did amazing. He really didn’t know what to expect since you were just a traveler. No one had a clue who trained you or even why you were so good at fighting. You must have been a quick thinker since you manage to figure out he was using smoke magic.

The problem is that you were cold to him. You still didn’t trust him even after finding out it was all a test. He would visit the Wu Shi Academy just to get a chance to talk to you, only for you to move away from him whenever you saw a hint of his silvery hair.

Raiden and Kung Lao told you to not hold it over his head. Madame Bo is safe. Hell, she was even in the Lin Kuei once, she’s a tough woman. Nope, you’re still not budging.

“I don’t understand, Raiden. She still treats me like some thug.” Tomas expresses his frustration to Raiden who wants to help make peace between you two.

“It probably didn’t feel good to her to be tricked like that. It may be best to prove to her that she can trust you.” Raiden gave back the best advice he could give.

“But what can I do if I can’t even get close to her.”

Raiden had to think for a moment. The others such as Kung Lao, Johnny, and Kenshi all came around as well since they heard Tomas’ frustration. They didn’t want him feeling bad about what he did since he was instructed to cause a disturbance at the tea house. They also don’t want you holding a grudge against a sweet and cool guy like Tomas.

“I got it!” Kung Lao snapped his fingers, “How about you train with us for some time. She will see that you aren’t so bad after all especially when she sees how calm you are when fighting us. Maybe giving her a gift once in a while will help as well.”

Not a bad plan. It could work. Tomas was on board with this. He didn’t want you viewing him as some thug anymore. You need to see who he truly is and he will do anything to prove it. Operation make you trust Tomas is a go go!

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

Tomas asked his brother if it was okay to train with the Shaolin for a bit. Bi-Han couldn’t give two fucks where Tomas would be at so he let him do that.

Now you really couldn’t avoid Tomas. Anytime you decided to train with the other champions he was always there. You grew annoyed by his presence. You couldn’t understand why no one else was upset by that trick of a test.

You also couldn’t understand why he was leaving you bunches of lavender and peace lilies. Okay well the peace lilies should have been a big sign but you weren’t the biggest expert on flowers or their meanings. He would leave them at your door, on your chair, he would even have the guys pass you the flowers just to make sure you would accept them.

And after some time you did. It would be a waste if you kept throwing them out. They were lovely and lavender is useful. You didn’t fully trust him yet but his efforts were chipping away at your stubborn heart.

You started watched as he trained with the others. All those fighting moves you saw before when you fought him. The aggression you felt before when seeing those moves slowly started to fade. You watched as he patiently taught the others some tricks on how to defend themselves. Not just that but he was open to being taught as well. The monks taught him new moves and involved him in meditation. Now would a violent person meditate? Nope, because Tomas is not the violent person you think he is.

You realized maybe you were being a bit too harsh when you heard him speak. His voice was less deeper than when you first heard it. It was just an impression anyways. And without his mask on there is no muffle to it. You listened to how disappointed he was, concerned that you still don’t trust him. He expressed that he is doing his best but he fears that you will always see him as the bad guy.

It broke your heart when you realized you misjudged him. He was putting in a lot of effort and you were turning a blind eye to it before. You don’t know how long he will be training with the Wu Shi and you don’t want to regret not saying anything to him. You want to make things right and the best way to do that was to talk to him.

One day you found him near the zen gardens. A place of relaxation and peace. A good atmosphere for something like this. He was meditating all by himself and you were unsure about disturbing him. He already heard your footsteps, you can’t sneak up on a sneaky person. He turned towards you expecting to see someone like Raiden or Johnny. But no, it was actually you. He was shocked and wasn’t sure what you were doing here. You gently waved towards him before speaking.

“Hi…do you mind if I join you?” You asked softly.

Tomas just stared for a good five seconds before breaking out of his trace. “O-oh yeah sure.”

You thanked him before walking closer. You surprised him even more when you described to sit next to him. Both your hearts were beating fast. Yours because you were unsure of what to say and his because of the same thing. You took a few deep breaths before speaking up.

“I’m sorry that I’ve been kind of cold to you. Maybe even been avoiding you. I just kept thinking back to that night at the tea house and I just thought you were the same guy I fought back then.”

You saying sorry was already the highlight of Tomas’ day. Before he can say anything to you, even to apologize for fighting you, you continued.

“You don’t have to apologize for what happened. I understand it was just a test and no one really got hurt. Well, maybe not physically but I did hurt you by being mean.”

You were picking at your fingers as you looked down at your lap. Now you wondered if he thought of you as the bad person. He doesn’t, he never did.

“We got off on the wrong foot and I want to make it right. Maybe you and I can train one of these days if you are willing to spend time with me.”

“Yes! Yes! Of course I would love to.” Tomas got too excited and covered his mouth, not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the garden anymore.

You looked at him all shocked before chuckling quietly. He really was desperate to show you that he is trustworthy. Seeing that it all paid off was too great for him that he had to express it. How could you ever imagine he was some cruel man who purposely beats up old ladies?

Your chuckle made him feel less embarrassed and happy to see you loosen up around him. You seem way chiller than he imagined. He’s excited to get to know you more now. You took his hand into yours and shook it.

“It’s nice to officially meet you, Smoke.”

He smiled at you. The mission was a success. All of this was worth it.

“The pleasure is all mine. But please, call me Tomas.”

After notes: It’s a bad time for me to find out that my favorite show is free on YouTube. Mhm I’m gonna be blasting that good shit on my tv. Anyways I hope you enjoy whoever requested it. I actually thought about this scenario a bit ago but never wrote it down and forgot about it. So looks like you read my mind. Trust me it sounded good to me :3. Adiós!

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autumnshighlady · 1 year

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oh my god yes please

here you go my love ;)

How Eris, Azriel, Rowan, and Tamlin carve their names into your body

tw: 18+ (duh, minors piss off), knifeplay, bloodplay, dark themes, stalking, spanking, toxic relationship

note: this is 100% inspired by @gothicbabydollz fic linked here, it's amazing! thank you to @orangejump-suit for pointing me in the direction of it!

based on this ask

ERIS

You squirmed underneath the ropes, tugging at the red silk that held your wrists locked together. Two more strips bound your ankles to the bed frame keeping your legs spread open for the High Lord of the Autumn Court.

“Now, now, little fox,” Eris purred, nipping your hip with his sharp canines. “Quit whining. You know exactly why you’re here, don’t you?”

You nodded, biting your lip. After Eris ignored you for three days, you had decided to flirt with one of his brothers during a ball to get his attention. It had worked, the High Lord visibly seething from the other side of the room as you playfully touched his brother’s arm and laughed at something he had said.

At your silence, Eris reached up and landed a sharp crack across your cheek. You gasped, the imprint of his rings stinging your flushed skin.

“Answer me when I ask you a question, whore.” Eris hissed, using the same hand that had just met your cheek to grip your throat. “If you want to act like a slut then you shall get treated like one.”

You couldn’t help it – his words sent heat rushing to your core. It did not go unnoticed. “Pathetic.” Eris laughed, releasing your throat. “You like this, knowing I can do whatever I please to your body and you will be absolutely dripping. Since you want to act like a dumb slut, I believe it’s time you be reminded of who you belong to.”

You whimpered, expecting one of the usual punishments – perhaps a whipping with his favourite leather belt. But your eyes flickered to his slender hands reaching towards the dagger strapped to his hip, widening when he unsheathed the blade.

“My Lord?” You stuttered, heart racing, but not entirely with fear.

Eris pressed the cold blade flat against your stomach, smirking as you flinched. “Be very still for me, little fox.”

Huffing, you nodded. The High Lord smirked sadistically as he dragged the blade downwards, resting the tip on the pelvic area right above your pussy. Grabbing your hip with his free hand, he pressed the tip against your skin and carved. You gasped, eyes watering at the stinging sensation. It burned, and you whimpered and tried to keep your eyes open, just as Eris preferred.

E. Beads of blood began dripping from the wound.

R. The coldness of the blade contrasting with the warmth of Eris’ hand made your brain fuzzy.

I. The High Lord’s face was focused, green eyes almost black with lust as he artfully dug the blade into your skin.

S. The blood oozing from his handiwork dripped down your pussy, mixing with your juices, which had multiplied.

Tears streamed down your face as you sobbed, jaw aching from clenching it so hard. You flinched as you felt a slender finger swipe up your core, through the mix of your blood and arousal. Even in your state, your eyes widened as the High Lord brought the finger up to his mouth and sucked, licking it clean.

“Delicious.” He purred before wiping your tears away, smudging some excess blood across your cheek. “Almost as delightful as watching tears run down that pretty face of yours. Have you learned your lesson, my little slut?”

You nodded, core aching – it was almost shameful how aroused you were from your lover carving his name above your pussy. Eris was talented with a blade, knowing just how deep to carve enough to make it scar forever, a permanent reminder that you were his.

“Good girl,” Eris murmured, crawling back down between your legs and biting the inside of your thigh. “Next time you think of flirting with my brother, remember that he wouldn’t even come close to making you feel the way I can.”

AZRIEL

You shuddered as Azriel’s scarred hand wrapped around the hilt of truth-teller. His eyes were dark, shadows whirling around his large body as he strode towards you. You kept walking back until your spine hit the cold wall of your bedroom. This was not Azriel, the quiet yet kind soul who you had first met. No, this was the shadowsinger of the Night Court, stalking towards you like a lion cornering its prey.

“What the fuck are you doing?” You spat, clenching your legs together and cursing yourself for the heat in your core.

“Shut up.” He growled, twirling the blade once in his hands.

You and Azriel had a difficult relationship and had started off as friends. Once you started sleeping together, things got different. Azriel was possessive, snarling at any male who looked at you for more than a second. It drove you crazy, which led to lots of fighting and a, what many would consider unhealthy, on and off, love hate fuckfest. He would follow you home, then fuck you like an animal and leave. It was hot, but when he decided to be an ass last week and leave you unsatisfied as punishment for slapping him in the face you decided to get even. In one of your not so bright moments, you decided to bring home the Illyrian male whom you had spotted arguing with Azriel the other day. He must have smelled you on the male, and that’s how you ended up here.

“Get out.” You shouted, heart pounding. You were met with a scarred hand around your throat, gripping tightly.

“I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart.” Azriel rasped in your ear. “Not until you’ve learned your lesson.”

Quicker than the speed of light, the blade in his hand sliced your nightgown open, exposing your bare breasts and cunt to him. The night air was freezing, sending goosebumps across your skin. He let go of your throat.

“What are you doing?” You asked, panting.

Azriel tilted his head, staring down at you with such intensity you were surprised it didn’t burn your face off. “Reminding you that you’re mine.” He said softly.

“Like hell I am,” You hissed in one last attempt to fend him off. “I can fuck whoever I want, you know. We aren’t together.”

His calm smirk sent chills through your bones. “No,” He purred, wedging your legs apart with his knee. “But you will always belong to me. No other male can touch you, or make you scream like I can. Seems like you need help remembering that.”

Before you could protest, the shadowsinger dropped to his knees. With one hand, he reached up and pinned your hips to the wall with brute strength. The other angled your leg to the side, elbow pressing it into the wall as he brought the blade up to the soft skin inside your thigh.

Panic arose in you, knowing where he was headed. “Don’t–”

Your voice was cut off with a strangled yell as Azriel pressed the sharp point of truth teller into your skin and dragged it, drawing blood. Your hand grasped his wrist, clenching so hard you thought it would shatter. Biting your lip, you muffled your whimpers of pain and squeezed your eyes shut, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. It was hard, the cold blade stinging your skin so painfully you knew it was meant to scar. You sobbed, free hand going to clutch his hair on instinct as a wave of arousal spread through your core.

Azriel chuckled darkly as he continued his work, the smell of your blood mixing with arousal and filling the room. When he was done, you panted, looking down to see a name carved in perfect letters along the inside of your thigh.

Azriel.

“You piece of shit--” Again, you were cut off by the shadowsinger, who flipped the blade around and shoved the hilt inside of you. There was no holding back your scream this time as the sting of your thigh and the painful need in your cunt sent you into a frenzy.

“You. Are. Mine.” Azriel growled each word as he fucked the hilt of Truth-Teller in and out of your dripping cunt. Deep down, you knew he was right.

ROWAN

The loud echo of your moan filled the room as Rowan pounded into you relentlessly from behind. His hands gripped your hips so hard you knew there’d be bruises tomorrow. Your entire body trembled, already having received three orgasms in the past thirty minutes. Rowan knew your body better than his own, and was angling his hips to hit that spot inside of you that made you see stars.

“Harder.” You moaned into the pillow.

Rowan snorted, still thrusting into you. “I’ll break you, princess.”

In your haze of pleasure, you scoffed. “No I won’t,” You panted between gasps. “I can tell you’re holding back. But I suppose I can always go for a ride with Fenrys if you’re not willing—”

That did it. Your sentence was cut off by Rowan’s territorial growl as he slammed into you so hard you felt it in your cervix. You tried to curse, but all words left your brain as the bed shook with the force of Rowan’s thrusts. One hand released your hip and lodged itself around the back of your neck, gripping tightly.

“You are mine only,” He growled. “Now shut up and take it.”

It wasn’t long before you came so hard you nearly blacked out, Rowan following shortly after with a roar. You were panting, body trembling as you collapsed into the bed with Rowan laying next to you moments later.

“That was more like it.” You sighed in bliss, legs still twitching.

Rowan laughed, brushing his fingers along the bruises that were already forming on your hips. “You look so pretty, all marked up by me.” Arrogance laced his voice as he traced the outlines.

“Too bad they’ll fade soon.” You huffed in disappointment – there was nothing you liked more than bearing the marks of Rowan all over your body like the finest jewelry.

You felt his movements freeze, and the space beside you was empty in an instant as Rowan got up.

“What are you doing?” You asked in confusion.

He returned moments later, blade in hand and already unsheathed. “Making it permanent.” He growled before pausing and looking at you. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” You said instantly, body heating up already at the dark gleam in his forest-green eyes.

A large hand gripped your upper thigh while the other brought the blade to your hip. With expert precision, the male growled with pleasure as he pressed the silver knife into your skin and carved.

You gasped at the painful sensation, the world around you spinning as Rowan held you in place and you felt him carve an ‘R’, followed by an ‘O’....

“Oh gods.” You whimpered, unable to focus properly as you realized what was happening. The mix of plain and pleasure was overwhelming, and your core ached with need as you watched Rowan carve his name into your hip. His sharp face was focused, white hair gleaming in the candlelight, the tattoos on his face making him look like a dark god claiming a mortal soul.

“Attagirl,” Rowan murmured as he carved an ‘A’. “Almost done, princess. You’re doing so good.”

Moments later, the blade lifted from your skin. Before you could say anything, a moan escaped your lips as Rowan bent his head down and licked up the blood. From the groan he released, you knew he enjoyed your taste in more ways than one.

Chin dripping with scarlet, the male looked up at you with dark eyes. “How’s that for permanent?”

TAMLIN

The High Lord of the Spring Court growled as his large hand came down on your ass once again. You yelped into the bedsheet, counting the tenth strike out loud. You were bent over Tamlin’s knees, your backside scarlet with large handprints scattered all across it.

A soothing rub came over the sore spot. “That’s my girl.” Tamlin said in that deep, velvety voice you loved so much.

You felt yourself being lifted upright. Tamlin turned you around, sitting you in his lap as if you weighed nothing to him. His blonde hair was messy, falling artfully across his handsome face as he smirked at you. Leaning forward, you kissed him, digging your nails into his neck hard.

Tamlin groaned, the sound sending heat straight between your legs. You did it again, this time dragging your nails ever so slightly against his skin.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, my love.” The High Lord growled at you, squeezing your thigh tightly.

You learned forward and bit the tip of Tamlin’s ear, causing him to shudder. “Scared you’ll lose?” You murmured, grinding into his hard length.

“You know I won’t.”

“Oh, but I think you will.” You accentuated your words by biting his neck so hard you drew blood. Tamlin groaned, his length growing even more between your legs and your chest swelled with pride at your ability to unravel the High Lord.

That pride, however, was short-lived. Tamlin grabbed you and tossed you back onto your front, then reached for his knife on the nightstand.

“You’re going to take it like a good girl,” He growled, straddling the back of your thighs and caressing your ass. “And you’re going to fucking like it, and not challenge me like this again.”

Before you could think of a smartass reply, you felt the tip of the blade dig into your soft flesh. You cried out, clenching the sheets as Tamlin began carving into your ass. Blood dripped onto the soft white sheets, but the High Lord did not seem to care. His only focus was on dragging the blade to form the letter ‘T’, and then an ‘A’....

You sobbed into the pillow, ass stinging in a way that paled in comparison to earlier. It burned like the hottest fire and the coldest ice, but you couldn’t deny the thrill it sent through your body at your normally firm yet gentle High Lord carving his name into your ass and marking you as his property.

It seemed like seconds yet years at the same time before Tamlin set down the blade, using the nearby cloth to wipe the blood away. He admired the sight of his name permanently engraved on your body and learned down, kissing the base of your spine.

“I win.” He murmured.

hope you enjoyed hehe

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waitmyturtles · 7 months

Text

THE MORNING AFTER: ONLY FRIENDS, EPISODE 10 EDITION -- WHEN THE HOES CAN'T CATCH A BREAK

I wrote about the hoes yesterday in response to my reaction to the Atom/Boston scandal. But really, my thoughts on hoes not being able to catch breaks in Only Friends, I think, extends to.... maybe to this entire show itself.

I thought yesterday's episode was fantastic. The acting was SPARKLING. I finally felt like I appreciated having both First and Khaotung acting together. Good LORD, Khaotung. The scene in Sand's apartment, the wailing meditation in the rehab triage. Khaotung out-Gaipa'ed himself. Utterly amazing, and First rose to the occasion as well. I also thought Book carried himself more strongly than I had seen in previous episodes -- him and Force carried their tension well in this episode.

But I wrote to @lurkingshan yesterday -- maybe typifying myself as an international fan -- that I feel a little unsettled about the direction of where this show is either going, and/or where I thought this show was going to go.

In my ask to Shan, I indicated that through ALL of the preliminary material we had available to us about OF, from the initial promos, to Jojo and team interacting on social media, the actors and the entire artistic team dropping hints -- that I had a relatively strong sense of where this show was going.

I will be honest and selfish! I was particularly excited about a potential vision from Jojo et al that having lots of sex on the part of an individual would be a decision that would possibly NOT be judged by others. I was damn excited about potentially seeing a meditation on that. It was certainly a vibe that had been easily reached in Jojo's early work in Gay OK Bangkok.

Shan wrote in her answer to me (thank you, dear friend!) that so much has shaped and likely changed the trajectory of Only Friends from its original gestation to the current editing process. This includes observations made by Jojo et al about how the fandoms have spoken about the show on social media.

Our amazing mutual, @bengiyo Sensei, went even further in separate conversation with Shan, noting even more of the various factors that have likely impacted the original vision of this show as had been proposed to us in the fandom last fall. Ben notes that the process of a show changing trajectory within its airing time is common practice. Both Shan and Ben did not hesitate to note that the presence of the shipped pairs of FirstKhao and ForceBook -- and the influence of the large fandoms surrounding these two pairs -- has very likely impacted the Only Friends storylines, to the extent of possibly demanding that the show have more linear, monogamous, and romantic stories and conclusions than were originally expected (at least, as expected from fans like myself, who were already familiar with the boundaries that Jojo usually likes to push).

While MewTop and SandRay continue to flirt with, to toe the line of more traditionally romantic conclusions (okay, maybe not MewTop as much, I'll get there in a bit) -- I feel like I've been caught by a bit of surprise that BostonNick have also been bitten by this current romance bug.

While I really did love this episode (and I'll explain why down below in a bit, besides Khao's stellar acting), I'm just feeling.... a little saddened and bogged down that Boston's ass was handed to him like that. So, Atom lies. Cheum stands up for Atom. I cannot expect Cheum to do less in that moment as a big sis, although I have very much questioned her judgment in the past (like inviting Mew's ex to their hostel Halloween party, what the fuck).

I'm sighing with a bit of regret, because in this episode, the framing of a resolution for Boston is that Nick comes back to Boston. Boston admits to Nick he's acted like an asshole, as I screenshot above, and we know that -- filming RayMew, sleeping with Top.

But I don't know, in the summation of his saying that he's done "awful things," if he's also lumping his life of engaging in casual sex, as he unwinds to Nick. I just -- I don't want Boston judging himself for having casual sex. (To @respectthepetty's point! Let the sluts slut. Why judge?)

Don't do shitty things to your friends, for sure, but if I were your mom, Boston? Have the sex. If someone's gonna judge you, it ain't me.

Are we getting an indirect judgement against Boston’s casual sex with a resolution that Nick will come back to Boston’s life? Is the show telling us that, vis à vis Nick's return, that Boston will be redeemed by.... monogamy? Is that what Cheum's and Mew's presence at the confrontation telling us? Is Boston’s ultimate resolution that he’ll have either a relationship or an LDR with Nick?

If that’s what works for the narrative device of Boston, then — okay. I will have to trust Jojo and team with that. I do NOT want to question Boston’s reaching a point of queer joy by finding love in a relationship with Nick. If Jojo and team are telling us a story that people-judged-as-sluts can find love in a relationship, then... I wasn't expecting Only Friends to go in that somewhat puritanical direction, but I'll go with it, because I trust Jojo.

But I think I am feeling a little bummed about how we may have gotten there. Because, goddamn: for once, give me a world in which casual sex is NOT judged. For heavens' sake, Cheum and Mew. Khai and I’ll sit in the corner with tears in our eyes.

My ho heart is pining for what could have been (chaos leading to a summation judgement AGAINST monogamous purity). But, anyway. None of this is ACTUALLY resolved, I need to tell my damn self; we still have two episodes left, and I’ll stop being so mewdy about it.

The other question I have floating about this episode is: what’s Mew’s motivation to get revenge against Top NOW? If he wanted to team up with Boeing to get back at Top — narratively, that may have made more sense two or three episodes ago, no? During the last episode, we saw Mew very much teetering on the edge of what he should do. His moms LOVED Top, and they missed all of Mew’s confused signals. We ended episode 9 with Mew stating to Cheum that he thought he was still in love with Top.

I appreciate a good state of confusion. Mew might still love Top. Mew might still be damn angry at Top, too. As I’ve written before, the wise Daniel Tiger has taught my kids, and so many more, that having two or more feelings is okay.

But I’m wondering about the timing of this arc. Mew plans something out with Boeing seemingly AFTER he's chosen to resolve his issues with Top. What was it about Boeing’s presence that triggered another revenge reaction in Mew? Mew’s….already been there with revenge. With Ray. And that’s done now. I don’t think I’m clear on Mew’s motivation on revenge AGAIN. Unless? Unless... I'm rubbing my hands together....

.....unless it’s to actually just SLEEP with Boeing, because come AWN, let me get to what I actually, really LOVED about this episode.

Shan indicated in her answer to me yesterday that OF was originally supposed to be constructed with GMMTV’s stable of supporting actors — your Neos, your Marks, your Papangs, your Monds.

For me? Man, Papang’s and Mond’s ENERGY was fresh to watch. I totally squealed at the possibility of BookMond. Mond is just so…..THERE, in a “why yes, look at my manly muscular shoulders, why yes, my gym membership comes with towels and high-end shower products” kinda way.

I liked Mond’s THERE-ness. I like that plants are the new Netflix.

I liked the spice of newness and curiosity in this episode. I liked seeing supporting faces, people that we know and love in Papang and Mond, doing something bold and totally different, and I love the ideas that they bring with their characters -- that Daddy Dan is very obviously in "like" with Nick; and that Boeing is truly around to fuck some damn shit up with Top, and maybe Mew.

Am I demanding this show BE ABOUT curiosity and newness? Unfortunately, that's what turned me on in this episode, and I admittedly would loooove to see more of it as this series winds down.

No, I do not have the right to DEMAND where this show goes. Westerners demanding things of queer Asian artists is an absolute NO for me.

But I think, as I look back at the trajectory of the last few episodes, that I had hoped the show would be less about the branded pairs. I honestly didn't think Only Friends was gonna be about the shipping. I thought loose lips were gonna sink the ships, and I was standing on the beach, cheering my ass off. To see SandRay approaching change and commitment in a romantic and positive way -- the acting was PHENOMENAL, but the outcome was a little to-be-expected-for-a-BL-in-a-non-BL-show kind of way.

And as for MewTop -- while I'm confused about the timeline of Mew's vengeful waffling, should I just go ahead and expect them to get together AGAIN? I'd like to ask for contextual clarification. But, at this point, that's how I know Mew to be, so I think my answer is yes -- I will be expecting Mew and Top to get together after all of this.

As I wonder how the ships kinda took over this whole joint, I think the answer is obviously in front of my face. FirstKhao and ForceBook are the first two GMMTV ships to travel out of the continent for fan meets, with FK going to Brazil, and FB going to Italy. If storylines in a fictional drama upset the fantasies of ship fandoms that these couples may not get together in their drama commodities, GMMTV's wallets, and the fanbases, may not like that very much. If FB’s and FK’s characters don’t get together — and that has a demonstrable economic impact? Jojo and team may have no choice but to hand over some happy endings to some shipped dudes for Jojo's future at GMMTV. Jojo's had to toe lines before. We KNEW what he was indicating by putting Joss, Mild, and Tay together in certain ways in 3 Will Be Free. But he couldn't go so far as to actually show a throuple in intimacy. That would have been too much for GMMTV in 2019.

To Shan’s very apt and accurate point at the end of her answer to my ask — my hope for purely uncommodified art from the Only Friends team, art that doesn’t leverage a judgement against sex in its potentially romantic conclusions, may very well be a pipe dream. If Jojo and his team were pushed to keep the ships together -- and to create happy-ish endings for as many characters in this show as possible, AND to be forced to leverage monogamy IN those storylines -- then how can I judge the artists for needing to toe an economic line? I can't. We are damn lucky enough that Jojo makes art as progressive as Only Friends, as 3 Will Be Free, as Gay OK Bangkok. Only Friends is still a great show.

But.... there was a moment where I think more than a few of us thought that we'd see something truly experimental with the ships sinking. There may still be time to see something nuts happen. But in the end, if Jojo and team have to keep the ships sailing, I won't begrudge the artists. But I will hope that GMMTV can keep allowing for more progressively progressive art over time, maybe even for the sake of letting a ship sink every once in a while.

(Ephemerality…my hope that we’d see intrigue beyond the ships was perhaps ephemeral. But we still have two episodes left! Let’s see! @ranchthoughts @twig-tea @chickenstrangers @lurkingshan @neuroticbookworm @distant-screaming @clara-maybe-ontheroad @thatgirl4815 @slayerkitty)

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skaikruswan · 2 years

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That meowpheus fic was amazing. Could you do one where he's sulking and everyone in the dreaming is trying to figure out why. Turns out that reader has gone on an excursion to map out fiddlers green. So once returned morpheus(or meowpheus your choice) is suddenly very clingy and wants so much PDA. Thanks love, keep up the great stories!

One should never ignore a cat or an Endless, or both

WC: 1,6 k Ao3

Relationship: Morpheus x reader

Notes: sulking Morpheus, fluff, PDA

Thanks, this was a great prompt! Dear readers, while you can read this as stand-alone, it is more of a soft sequel to this Meowpheus prompt. Enjoy! If you liked this, check out my other stories.

I chose this gif because that's how I imagine Dream to look like while sulking.

You’re standing inside Fiddler’s green, breathing in the crisp air, and can’t help but jump in excitement. This place is a marvel. You’ve always loved nature, but as life has it, you don’t always find the time to walk through forests, climb on mountains, or swim through the sea.

Fortunately for you, Fiddler’s green is the answer to all your dreams. The endless green glades and lush forests are practically begging you to explore them.

You’re ready, your backpack filled with everything you need. You know that you could dream yourself right into the heart of this wondrous place, find the best sites in the blink of an eye, but where would be the fun in that?

You’re going to map out this place, old-school. If one dream is not enough, you’ll simply continue in the next. Nothing and nobody is going to stop you.

Setting one foot in front of the other, you begin your adventure. The birdsong sounds like the finest music to you, and as you wander through into a beautiful meadow, you let out a squeal. You are living the dream.

Lord Morpheus controls the Dreaming, but what cannot be forgotten is that it is also a part of him. Lucienne remembers how the proud palace grew to become a desolate ruin, reflecting the damage their Lord’s absence had caused.

The library is brimming with life, and each tome and volume makes her heart soar. As its librarian, she feels a deep calm and serenity settle within her.

Even now as the palace shines anew and dreams and nightmares populate the realm again, Lucienne will always remember the horrible period during which she was the only who, despite being lonely and concerned, kept faith with their Lord. She will never take his presence for granted again. Even if his mood leaves to be desired.

The sky above them, usually a lovely blue, is now a myriad of grey shades, the color of an oncoming storm. But as she watches Lord Morpheus rebuke a nightmare for leaving their designated place, his expression thunderous, Lucienne wonders if the storm might be already here.

Lucienne hopes that you will return swiftly.

_______________________________

Matthew is circling above the throne room, looking for a comfortable spot to land. He is definitely getting the hang of this raven-thing. What else can you do when you wake up with feathers and claws, and tasked to help and watch over the world’s moodiest immortal?

Matthew would rather glue his beak shut than tell him that in person. The boss has a lot of responsibilities and duties, so he can have a cranky moment or two. Now that the boss has reclaimed his power and things have settled down, Matthew actually enjoys his job; then again, anything beats going to literal hell.

Besides, the boss is not so bad. He tries to listen, to take other people into consideration. Meeting you has helped, and right now he and every soul – real or dreamy – wishes for your return. Matthew is glad that he can just take a break and fly into the waking world to escape the gloom that follows the King of dreams. More like king of sulking.

Just in that moment, the boss looks up, and his dark glare is enough to send Matthew soaring towards the sky. It’s settled: Matthew won’t come back until you have returned.

_________________________________

The roaring of water is getting is getting louder, and you can’t wait. You’ve been following this small stream for what feels to be ages, and you feel it in your bones that it will pay off. The water is so refreshingly cool, it is a pleasure to drink, but you want to finally swim in it.

Your effort and perseverance are rewarded as the forest thins out, with only a few trees framing the wonderful waterfall and azure lake. The view is breathtaking, with birds flying over the thundering masses of water.

“This is the best!” you scream as you race towards the azure water, and for a moment you hear an old man’s chuckle inside your mind. As you come closer, you think you see a blur of black and gold at the edge of your vision.

“I am so happy that I got to do this alone.” Was that mean? Maybe just a little. Will you regret this? Hopefully not. But you had told Morpheus that you wanted, no, that you needed this to be a solo adventure.

You feel your clothes turn into a swimsuit as you run towards the lake, giggling all the way.

______________________________

Merv knows the palace in and out. As a janitor, he could walk through this place blindly, which is why it doesn’t bother him that the light seems to dim inside the palace.

What worries him is how dutiful dreams and nightmares he has known for ages suddenly start to quiver like mortal children.

The boss has returned, pacing around in front of his throne like a caged tiger, and boy, he looks like a nightmare himself, all dark and broody.

Merv hopes that your trip will be over soon.

___________________________

“I am back,” you call out, more softly than you initially wanted to. You still feel a little bad for dismissing Morpheus like that, especially since your trip was longer than anticipated.

“Hello?” The throne room is eerily quiet, and you scurry past some dreams. One of them almost looks like they wanted to give you a hug, but then opted for a bow. Odd.

It took some time, but you’ve become better at controlling yourself inside the Dreaming. Right now, you feel just the right mix between spent and serene, right when you stand on top of a mountain after a long hike.

You walk towards your room, not even bothering to close the door, and drop down on your bed. You’re going to stay here or a while. This bed is your favorite place right now.

“My love.” Despite your exhaustion, you roll around in your bed to see Morpheus leaning against the door frame. He’s giving you one of his precious, soft smiles, and you feel your heart flutter.

“I have missed you,” you admit quietly and watch as he advances towards your bed, the mattress dipping as he’s lying down next to you.

“I have missed you too.” He gently cards his hand through your hair, and you close your eyes, savoring the heavenly moment. This here feels like a dream within a dream, and you hope he continues forever. Way too soon he stops, and you look at him with an expectant pout.

“Your turn.” You start moving your fingers through his silky hair in return, a proud grin on your face as he starts to hum. Carefully, your movements become slower until they stop.

“We are not finished.” He turns his back to you, rolling his shoulders once, and you roll your eyes dramatically at him in fond chagrin. You glide your fingers down the shell of his ears, before applying the right amount of pressure to massage his neck. Your hands roam over his shoulders, idly drawing patterns. You press one quick kiss at the top of his spine, signaling him that you’ve finished.

Apparently, you’re not done, because Morpheus captures your hands with his, his eyes half-lidded as he blinks at you. A heartbeat later, a black cat with golden eyes has taken his place, rubbing its head against your palm.

“Well, you’re awfully needy today, Lord Meowpheus,” you tease, only for him to playfully nibble at your fingers. You giggle as you sit up, waiting for Morpheus to find a comfortable position on your lap. As you let your fingers glide through his soft fur, you listen to his low purr while telling him about all the be wonders you have seen on your journey. A flower crown is still adorning your head, a souvenir from an extraordinary adventure.

“I would like to accompany you on your next journey, if I may,” Morpheus asks, his voice deep and comforting like dark chocolate, and you scratch his favorite spot underneath his chin.

“Hmm, let me think about it.” You try to keep your face impassive, one hand holding your chin in thought. A minute passes as you hum contemplatively, then another. You feel sharp claws pinch your thighs, neither painful nor drawing blood, but enough to let you know about the cat’s displeasure. You let out a soft scoff and lean down to press a kiss between his ears, and Morpheus starts purring again.

“I would love it.” Now that you’ve explored Fiddler’s green, you can’t wait to experience it with Morpheus by your side.

“I am looking forward to it.” Morpheus moves, exposing his belly, and you continue your ministration in comfortable silence.

“Of course, you would have to keep up. I am a good, fast wanderer.” You can’t help but tease him again, feeling your lips quirk into a smirk. Meowpheus stands up suddenly, arching his back, an in a blink of an eye, Morpheus is lying next to you, rolled to one side, his head propped on his hand.

“I shall hurry then. If necessary, I will chase you.” His voice is deliciously low, and you see a flash of hunger in his fathomless eyes. You bite your lip, feeling a flush of heat at the memory of Meowpheus chasing mouse-you. That certainly had been an experience, to say the least.

“Challenge accepted.” What mouse can claim that she tamed a cat? As Morpheus leans down to press his lips and his body against yours, making every inch of you tingle with molten satisfaction, you realize that you might want to revise that statement.

#the sandman #morpheus x reader #dream of the endless #dream x reader #sandman x reader #my writing #my sandman fics #lord meowpheus

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mimisempai · 9 months

Text

A happiness that's real

Summary

When Aziraphale wakes Crowley so he can lie down beside him, the half-asleep demon asks if he's dreaming. Sometimes happiness is so great that it's hard to believe it's real. Perhaps a moment of tenderness and a few kisses can help?

Notes

This author is not at all ashamed of the amount of fluff in this fanfic...

On Ao3

Rating G - 1296 words

Aziraphale closed his book and sighed with satisfaction.

"This book has been an absolute joy to read!"

It was only when he received no answer that he realized he was all alone. A little embarrassed, he vaguely remembered that Crowley had gone to bed and said goodnight to him, but he was so engrossed in his reading that he hadn't really registered it.

Had he even replied?

He hurriedly put the book down, turned off the light behind him, and hastily climbed the stairs to the bedroom.

As he entered, he couldn't hold back a fond smile.

Crowley was sprawled out on the bed, lying on his stomach, his head resting on his folded arm, his red hair sticking out in all directions. The sheet came up to his waist and his long legs were impossibly tangled in it.

Eager to join him, Aziraphale changed into something more comfortable and sat down on the edge of the bed, not far from the demon's head.

Gently pushing back the strands of hair that fell across his face, he stroked his cheek and called softly, "Crowley, my dear. I'm here."

The demon's eyes fluttered for a few seconds before slowly opening, then he grabbed Aziraphale's hand on his cheek and asked in a sleepy voice, "Angel, it's really you. It's not a dream?"

Aziraphale chuckled softly and replied, "Thank you, it's flattering to be thought of as a dream, but no, I assure you, you are wide awake and it is really me, in the flesh. Will you give me some room?"

Crowley moved aside a little, then lifted the sheet so that Aziraphale could slide in beside him. The angel climbed into the bed and lay down next to Crowley.

The demon asked him in a slightly hesitant tone, "Angel, will you please hold me?"

Aziraphale simply opened his arms and the demon immediately moved closer to him. He turned and pressed his back against the chest of the angel, who immediately closed his arms around him.

The angel said softly, "Crowley, I'm sorry I didn't pay attention to you when you said good night to me."

The demon shook his head, "Angel, if there's one thing I've learned in all this time, it's that once you get into a book, it takes at least one Armageddon to get you out."

"God forbid! Lord save us."

"Avoid mentioning God in the privacy of our bedroom, angel, please."

They both chuckled softly, then Crowley continued, "Don't worry and don't apologize. I wasn't offended at all."

The angel pressed a kiss to his hair and said softly, "Still, thank you for your understanding, my dear."

After a few moments, Aziraphale asked quietly, "Is there a reason you wanted me to hold you like this?"

The demon replied, "You know, when I woke up, I asked you if I was dreaming. Well, sometimes when I look back at what we've been through and where we are now, waking up here, I almost can't believe it's real. Silly, huh?"

Aziraphale shook his head against Crowley's hair and murmured softly, "Not silly at all. I get the same feeling sometimes. Tell me what I can do to make you feel it's real?"

Crowley put his hands on the angel's arms, wrapped them around his chest, and replied, "Just hold me tight and that'll be enough."

Aziraphale tightened his arms around the demon, who pressed a little closer to him.

The angel said quietly, "We've lived hundreds of lives, seen and experienced things that would seem unbelievable or even impossible to the average person, and yet to have you against me like this is probably the most amazing thing I've ever experienced."

Crowley nodded, "That's exactly how I feel."

Not really knowing why, or perhaps just needing to feel that it was all real, Aziraphale sensed an urge for a little closer contact and impulsively pressed his lips to the demon's neck.

It was a light kiss, barely a graze, and immediately after he waited for a reaction from Crowley. He let a few seconds pass and then, seeing that Crowley didn't seem to react negatively, he ventured a second kiss, a few inches from where he'd pressed the previous one.

This time, Crowley hummed in appreciation, prompting Aziraphale to press another kiss a little lower down his neck.

The angel then asked quietly, "Is it still okay?"

Crowley nodded and said softly, "More than okay, Angel."

Aziraphale smiled and pressed another kiss a little farther into the hollow of the demon's neck, continuing in this way a path of kisses to Crowley's bare shoulder, then back to his ear, checking from time to time to make sure there was no discomfort.

He whispered in the demon's ear, "Does that make it feel more real?"

Crowley replied softly, "Very, but there's still something you could do that would make it all very real."

Aziraphale asked, "And what would that be?"

"Kiss me."

The angel smiled cheekily against the demon's skin and replied, "Didn't I just do that?"

Crowley answered in a sulky voice, "Angel... you know very well what I mean."

Aziraphale chuckled softly, "Yes, my dear, I know, forgive me. Now turn around."

He then opened his arms and the demon turned.

The angel raised his hand and gently traced the contours of Crowley's face, lingering near his eyes and murmuring, "So beautiful," before continuing to rest his hand on the demon's cheek and gently caressing it with his thumb, murmuring, "This is so real."

Crowley leaned into the hand, closing his eyes, completely abandoned, and Aziraphale brought his face closer to the demon's, sliding his hand up his neck, pressing to bring him even closer, and when their lips finally brushed, it was the most natural thing in the world.

It wasn't their first kiss, but because they both needed it to be anchored in reality at that moment, it was almost as if it were.

Their lips parted and their breaths mingled, both losing themselves in the kiss. It went on and on, the angel and the demon pulling away only to catch their breath and quickly reconnecting, as if each were afraid of losing that connection to reality.

When they finally broke the kiss, they remained forehead to forehead, wanting to stay as close as possible.

Aziraphale murmured against Crowley's lips, "Is this real enough?"

The demon replied, "Oh yes, Angel, very real, but..." he paused and his lips curled into a playful little smile, "...you'll have to do it a few more times for me to be completely convinced."

The angel pulled back a little and replied in a pompous tone, "Oh my God, this is absolutely terrible, I'm going to have to sacrifice myself again!"

They looked at each other and both began to laugh. Later, when the laughter subsided, Aziraphale's face became serious again as he said, "If you're in any doubt, let me know, in whatever way you need reassurance, I'm willing to do it. Anytime."

The demon replied quietly, "I will," before snuggling up against Aziraphale's chest, the angel wrapping his arms around him.

Having fought so fiercely for their happiness, it would probably take some time for both of them to fully realize that this happiness was something real, but each could count on the other, as always, to remind them.

When Crowley opened his eyes the next morning, he didn't feel the slight panic he sometimes felt that it was all a dream. That none of it was real.

For the first thing he saw was the peaceful face of his sleeping angel.

He watched him for a few minutes, and when Aziraphale finally opened his eyes and smiled softly at him, the demon told himself that nothing could be more real.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story 🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable Growing Love series : here (After season 2)

Ineffable Husbands masterlist : here (Before season 2)

#good omens #aziracrow #ineffable husbands #ineffable boyfriends #aziraphale #crowley #good omens fanfiction #aziraphale x crowley #crowley x aziraphale #GOS2Spoilers

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beanxiv · 1 year

Text

i'll always be here ; leviathan

summary: when levi succumbs to his sin, there's only one person who can successfully reassure him

word count: 0.9k

note: something other than bnha finally surfacing on my blog!! it's an old piece which is the only reason i'm actually able to post this rn

warnings: none!

“i want to say i can’t believe he’s locked himself in his room again, but i would be lying.” lucifer sighed.

”we didn’t even say anything to him this time! he just got up and ran to his room,” asmo knocked on leviathan’s door for the fifth time.

”he’s probably just playing video games or something.” mammon shrugged, “i mean, he does this almost every single day. what’s different this time?”

beel frowned, ”he looked sad this time... if he was playing video games wouldn’t he be happy?”

belphie nodded, ”and it’s not like we can ask him, he won’t answer any of us.”

“i tried texting him, but he won’t even answer his D.D.D.” satan gestured to the device in his hand.

”maybe mc can get him out? he normally listens to them, right?” asmo offered. “they might be able to figure out what’s wrong.”

satan nodded, ”good idea. i’ll text them to come over.”

in barely five minutes you reached the third-born’s room and didn’t hesitate to question the boys, “did you guys say anything to him?”

mammon shook his head, ”no! we were all in the living room hangin’ out, you were there! and then when ya left to use the bathroom, levi just got up and stormed off into his room!”

you thought for a moment, “alright, you guys go back to the living room, i’ll figure out what’s wrong, okay?”

lucifer sighed, “do your best.”

you nodded, and the brothers all left to the living room. once they were far enough you knocked on the otaku’s door.

”levi? it’s mc, can i come in?”

he was silent for a moment, but finally he asked, ”what’s the password?”

“the second lord...” you started.

after finishing the line, your heard shuffling from inside the room and the doorknob clicked and twisted, leviathan opened the door a crack to make sure you weren’t there with his brothers. when he was sure you were the only one, he opened the door wider to let you in.

”thank you.” you followed behind him and sat down on the floor in one of the beanbags. the tv was on and one if levi’s rpg games was loading on the screen.

levaithan silently sat next to you, handing you the second controller. you assumed something was going on, but levi just didn’t want to talk about it yet. so you decided to play with him until he was comfortable.

after a few minutes leviathan set his controller down, “m-mc, do you like my brothers more than me? i understand if you do, they’re all cool and stuff... and i’m just a gross, jealous otaku shut-in.”

oh. so that's what this was about.

you frowned, “of course not, levi. what gave you that impression?”

“you always hang with them more than me.”

you smiled softly, ”first of all, you’re not gross, levi. but being an otaku is amazing, are you saying that it’s a bad thing?”

the demon shook his head frantically, “n-no!! of course not! being an otaku is cool!”

you giggled at his response, “see? and, as for being a shut in? that’s fine, levi. so what if you don’t like being around other people? who cares?”

leviathan looked down, picking at a loose thread from the beanbag with a frown. ”but whenever we hang out, it’s always in either your room or mine, wouldn’t you want to go out more often rather than stay inside all the time?”

you shook your head, ”i don’t hang out with you because i want to be outside, levi. i hang with you because i want to be with you. if you’re more comfortable indoors, then that’s where we’ll hang out. it doesn’t matter to me where we stay as long as you’re comfortable.”

leviathan just nodded, his lips quirking into a small smile. “i knew i had the best henry a demon could ask for.” he turned to the fish tank, “no offense to you, henry 2.0.”

“are you feeling better now?” you asked.

leviathan nodded, “thank you, mc.”

you laughed, “of course, i’ll always be here to talk— or play games— anytime you need me, okay levi?”

“okay, mc.”

you laid your head on his shoulder, he tensed up at first, but slowly relaxed.

“maybe you’re not as much of a normie as i thought.” levi said softly.

”me? a normie? levi don’t make me cringe.” you gasped, feigning disgust.

underneath your head, his shoulder rose and fell with his lighthearted laugh, “sorry i won’t make that mistake again, henry.”

”good to hear, my lord of shadows.”

#i love levi #he's jus like me fr #leviathan #leviathan obey me #levathan x mc #leviathan x reader #om! leviathan #obey me #obey me swd #obey me levi #leviathan fluff #beanxiv writes

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moonlightazriel · 1 year

Text

Son of the Darkness III /// Azriel X F!Reader

Summary: Hidden for so long The court of shadows thrived, and things were great until the high lord's death, now the next in line should assume the crown of high lord of shadows, will he accept his duties?

Warnings: Mentions of war (?)

Word Count: 1,8K

Notes: Bryaxis baby deserves the world ahahahaha Again, I can only thank for the amazing support! Love y’all

Son of the darkness masterlist

Main Masterlist

Azriel was warned that he should go back to the river house, Rhys would be waiting for him there, and as he and Cassian entered the front door, Y/N was sitting there talking pacifically with Rhys about her court, the two spoke like they were old friends.

“Brothers, glad to see the two.” He greeted, two goblets of wine appearing out of nowhere, the two Illyrians took it, taking a sip as they sat down, still feeling a little uneasy with her presence. “Y/N will be staying with us for a while, I’m sure you may have a lot of questions, but all of them will be answered soon.”

“Maybe you should take a look into that letter!” She motioned for the letter hanging in between Azriel’s fingers, his gloved hands opening the seal, the same one on Y/N’s chest, his hands shaking slightly as he held the paper in front of his eyes.

“Dear grandson,

Eletha was my biggest treasure, my only daughter, the light of my life, her departure caused me great pain, and I didn’t have any more reasons to smile, she was a free spirit, a gentle soul, she was my happiness, she never wanted to be a ruler but it was her fate, even if she tried to run away from it.

I shouldn’t have forced her to it, she wanted to travel, to see the world on her own, maybe if I had allowed her, she would’ve returned home, I would do so many things differently if I could go back in time, but I still can make things right.

If this letter reaches you, know that ever since I learned about your existence, I’ve been searching for you, I wish we had more time together, but I’m not even sure if we will have the chance to meet, my health is deteriorating, I lost my mate and my daughter, I don’t have reasons to live anymore and our court could really use someone with new ideas.

I’m sorry that I have to force this burden upon you as I did with your mother so many centuries ago, but my people, your people, they need you, I know that you will be a great high lord, Y/N will be there to help you with everything you may need, she’s the most loyal person we have in our court, she knows everything about it, I know she’ll serve you greatly just like she did to me.

I know you will make the right choice, come home, this is your land, this crown belongs to you.

-Loralen Malthalion, High Lord of Shadows.”

Azriel felt his heart twisting in his chest, this couldn’t be true, there wasn’t a court of shadows and he wasn’t the high lord, his eyes felt heavy with tears, the mentions of his mother making him sad, he missed her, so much, she was the only that has ever loved him before he found his brothers, his head snapped up, he looked at Rhysand, his brother, if this was true, he couldn’t leave, what would Rhys do without him?

Azriel needed to think, leaving the letter on the couch, he got up, walking out of the house, he flew, his wings carrying him away, his mind felt dizzy, too many thoughts simultaneously crossed his mind, and he couldn’t focus, feeling too overwhelmed by his feelings, he was panting and the tears were slowly going down his cheeks, he didn’t know what to do, should he go and leave his family behind? How much do the people from the other court suffer without him?

“You have all the time in the world to think about it brother, I know it’s a lot, but we're here for you.” Rhysand spoke in his mind, his voice was the only thing Azriel could focus on, the words repeating again and again, making it easier to breathe again, he knew that Rhysand would support him in whatever he decided to do.

2 days later

Cassian was responsible for showing Y/N around, the two had a lot to discuss, they were in a coffee shop, he had shown her every store in Velaris and she shared stories of Thera, the main city in The Court of Shadows, and her hometown, the city was bigger than Velaris but it wasn’t less impressive as she told stories.

“And then the male grabbed Evanore’s arm, trying to get her to talk to him, so I punched him in the face.” Cassian laughed while he sipped on his coffee, this female was funny, he liked her. “Well, ten times, but he tried to punch me too, that’s why I ended up banned from the Kincardine Club for three years.”

“So Kincardine in Thera is our Rita’s here. I guess Azriel won’t miss our home too much.” She looked at him.

“I’m sure the High lord already spoke to the Seven, they can come up with a faster way to travel than I did.” She squeezed Cassian’s hand, she enjoyed his company and understood his point, they knew each other for years, and of course, he would miss his brother.

“The Seven are the witches you talked about?” He was genuinely interested in the history of her court, and she nodded.

“They are an ancient Coven, Loralen made a deal with them and they helped us hide, they are really powerful and would be a great help in the war, in exchange, my soldiers have to protect the Yrila Forest, their home, no one can hunt there or harm anything. Eva is the youngest and she’s my best friend, they allowed her to come to Thera to learn the common tongue and fighting skills. I hope you can visit Thera.”

“If you can make the fast travel possible, I’m sure we're going to be there all the time, and Mor will definitively want to go to Kincardine, she’ll freak out with the possibility of going to a new club.” He smiled at her. “But I guess it’s time to deal with some serious issues.”

“You know what’s one of the greatest honors in my court?” He shook his head in denial. “To be a part of the nightfall army, we have discipline, strength, power, weapons, the sense of duty, everything a good army needs. My mother was the general and I worked so hard to get in my position, many doubted me, and many still do but I proved every single one of them wrong, we have dealt with inside wars and problems, and we’re ready to march over the battlefield and slaughter Hybern’s army until not a single warrior stands in our way.”

“We will need all the help we can get, the other lords, we don’t know if they are going to help us, Rhys is really stressed, we don’t have much choice, we can’t let them crush us.” Cassian and Y/N were similar in many aspects, especially when it came to war, it would be a pleasure for her joining forces with him and stop Hybern together, he was a smart male and she was excited to see his strategies.

They walked back to the river house, Azriel avoided Y/N at every opportunity he had, she wanted to talk to him, to explain how things work in their court, she wanted to start preparing him for what was yet to come, like she was expected to do, but all she saw was a trace of shadows, she wasn’t able to spot him not even a single time if he wanted to act like a child, she was going to treat him like one.

“I need to talk to Azriel, can you set a meeting for us since he refuses to look in my face?” She asked Rhysand on the fifth day, tired of this little hide-and-seek bullshit, she really tried to be comprehensive with him, and understand how this was a delicated situation but she was in a foreign place, away from her family and having to deal with such responsibility, she loved the night court’s hospitality but she missed her home, she wanted to be back in her court.

“I will see what I can do for you, maybe I can set up a meeting in the library. I can take you there if you want.” She nodded and he got up, grabbing her hand and winnowing to the library, the place was huge, inside a mountain, a couple of females walked around and rearranged the books in place, Rhysand told her that he would send Azriel there, she walked around looking book by book on the shelves, the place was beautiful, she could feel some eyes on her, but they quickly turned away when she spotted who was observing her.

As she walked further down the library, she had this sensation in the pit of her stomach, one that she knew very well, she kept walking down, something felt familiar about the darkness that rested peacefully at the bottom of the library like it was calling her there, she could hear its voice, lulling her downwards, she could only focus on the voice, she was almost there, just a few more steps and she would reach that melodic voice, her mother’s voice.

“What is wrong with you?” Azriel called her, his hand harshly yanking her back, he was fuming as he dragged her back up, she didn’t even realize how dark it was and how much she had walked until she could see him clearly now, his siphons glowing with his anger. “What the hell were you thinking? He could’ve turned into your worst nightmare, Bryaxis could’ve killed you.” That thing, she had heard about it before, or even better, she had encountered something like this before.

“He’s really far from home.” Azriel looked at her, she had reached the limit of the fence that protected her from a deathly fall, her eyes still glued to the beast. “That thing is from The Court of Shadows, we call it The Soul Seeker, I’ve seen it before, that’s why it felt so familiar.”

“I don’t care where it's from, you would be dead if I haven’t saved you, you should be thanking me.” Her brown eyes turned his way, she shook her head.

“He only has the power we give him, you can’t tame your fears, High Lord, but you can learn to live with them.” She looked at the endless void in the bottom of the library again, the beast resting peacefully once more. “He wouldn’t kill me because I don’t fear him.” Azriel didn’t even want to think about what may have been in his new home, waiting for him.

Azriel had thought about his destiny for days, he wanted to do what was right, and if that meant leaving his family and moving to another court, he would do it. His family needed him but an entire court needed him even more, he couldn’t let them down.

“I’m coming with you.” Her head snapped in his direction, she was clearly surprised, she hadn’t expected him to give in so quickly, and she was more than happy to go back to her home. “But only after we can get Feyre back, I can’t leave Rhys to deal with this alone.” She nodded.

“Alright then, I just need to contact someone.”

#acotar #azriel shadowsinger #azriel #azriel x reader #night court #sarahjmaas #shadowsinger #azriel x y/n #velaris #moonlightazriel #son of the darkness

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alhaithamcore · 10 months

Text

i really hope we get more events where characters get to visit different regions, especially sumeru and liyue cuz they’re my faves

like imagine alhaitham going on vacation to liyue specifically to learn about its culture and traditions, cue him running into zhongli who knows literally everything about everything and internally haitham’s just like !!!! omg!! and then they chat for hours about the most obscure things. and haitham is just completely enthralled and zhongli finds himself smiling and enjoying himself because it’s been such a long time since he’s been able to just chat with someone like this

or ningguang showing kaveh around the jade chamber because he is absolutely beside himself with fascination (and excitement) about the architectural design of the place, she even lets him examine the blueprints and answers any questions he has about the construction process, fondly observing the way his eyes light up when she tells him different facts about its design and functionality

or yunjin showing nilou around the teahouse and introducing her to the yun-han opera troupe, and nilou is just completely amazed because she’s never really had a chance to explore other nations’ performing arts traditions before and she thinks yunjin has the prettiest voice ever!!!! and then they teach each other their favorite dance techniques and nilou is just so happy to find someone who loves performing as much as she does!!

or tighnari volunteering at bubu pharmacy and eagerly watching baizhu prepare different prescriptions and medicines, fascinated by his various explanations and techniques, and he’s so excited to see plants from different nations that are hard to acquire in sumeru, enthusiastically scribbling in his notebook and making sure to read up on native liyue plants when he returns home!! he even accompanies qiqi when she goes to collect herbs and is there to help her when she forgets things and baizhu lets him keep some of the herbs as a gift

or dehya spending a day on board the crux while beidou tells stories of her various adventures, admiring her bravery and carefree spirit, particularly enjoying the tale of haishan’s defeat. beidou eagerly listens to dehya recount the daily life of an mercenary in sumeru city, enthralled by the events of the sabzeruz festival samsara, lesser lord kusanali and the treachery of the akademiya sages. they exchange battle tactics and spar with each other, and dehya smiles and laughs because she is genuinely enjoying herself, making a mental note to tell candace everything about her experiences as soon as she returns to aaru village

i could go on and on but this post is already kinda long and i don’t wanna bore y’all fjskdksks-

anyways tldr i love sumeru and liyue very much and i think their respective characters would be best friends. thank you for coming to my ted talk

#genshin impact headcanons #alhaitham #zhongli #kaveh #ningguang #beidou #dehya #nilou #yunjin #baizhu #tighnari #genshin impact #sumeru #liyue #genshin impact kaveh #genshin impact alhaitham #saturn writes 🪐

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verenahx · 10 months

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Lake Flowers

Pairing: Sihtric x reader

Summary: You love the flowers that grow near the lakes, and every time you come across a lake you always end up playing on it while picking up little flowers and shiny stones

Warnings?: Sihtric being totally amazed by you, slight smut-just touches

Side note: English it’s my third language so I apologize for all the grammar mistakes

❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。❀。

It was a sunny day, and you were riding with Sihtric to Coccham. You had been sent by Lord Uhtred to Wessex to deliver a message to Father Beocca.

And now, that you were coming back, the heat was unbearable. It was at its highest point, since it was noon. You rode a few more hours under the intense sun, but you decided to stop and set up a small camp.

When you were all set up and had eaten a bit of the left overs, you decided to look for a river or a lake. You loved to pick up little flowers and shiny stones. Which after you would use for decoration or for jewelry making.

Then you stood up, earning a curious look from the Dane. 'What are you doing?' he asks as he stands up too and takes a step towards you 'Nothing, I just want to relax for a while...I'll be right back' you say as you walk away in the direction of the forest.

You walked through the woods following the sound of the water, which eventually lead you to a beautiful natural lake. It was clear like crystal and it had a small waterfall, along with some rocks and trees which made it look ethereal. It was just perfect.

You made your way across the woods until you stopped near a flat rock and started to undress yourself, just taking off the armour and the heavy clothes, leaving your undergarments to cover.

Afterwards, you looked with fascination at how beautiful the lake looked, calm and perfect to relax for a while. So, you advanced and you put your feet in the water while a smile escaped from your lips, you loved this feeling.

You walked across the lake until your knees were covered in the warm water, and then you took out your little cloth bag and began to collect small shiny rocks and other minerals, until the flowers growing around the lake caught your eye.

While some simple but beautiful plants called your attention, you were what called Sihtric’s attention, but of course you had not noticed it, since he had carefully leaned against a tree so to not interrupt you and your little peace moment.

To his eyes, you looked like a water nymph, a beautiful ethereal being that radiated light and moved gracefully through the water. To him, you were just perfect, and he desired you in many ways, but he would not admit that out loud.

He watched carefully every movement, expression and noise that you would make, he loved every single part of you. After staring for a while, he finally decided to make his presence noticeable while clearing his throat.

As you heard him, you shook your head towards him and gave him a pure smile, he was handsome, really handsome, probably the most beautiful and kind man that you had ever encountered in your life.

‘Aren’t you cold?’ He asks while crossing his arms and waiting for your answer.

‘No! I’m fine, the water is pretty warm actually…you should join me here, it’s nice!’ You shouted back at him while giving him another smile and putting a rock inside your tiny bag, another one for the collection.

‘Thanks, but I prefer to watch and make sure that we are safe here, just in case. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt’ Sihtric lies. Of course he wanted to join you, his muse, his nymph, his goddess, he was so obsessed with you, he would give anything just to spend his days watching you smile, just like you were doing right now while “playing” in the water.

‘We won’t get attack or anything, and probably the worst thing that could happen to me is getting attacked by one of those ducks’ you say while pointing at some ducks that were near the lake. ‘Actually they are pretty scary, I once got chased by one all the way home. Now it sounds funny, but back in the day I was running for my life’ you confess while laughing and remembering the moment.

‘Well, I’ll be here to protect you from those ducks if they do decide to attack you this time lady’ the dane says while laughing and looking at the birds.

‘Oh come on! We have already talked about this Sihtric, I am no lady, just a commoner under Lord Uhtred’s service’ you say while rolling your eyes and letting out a small sight.

‘For me you are in fact a lady, the most beautiful lady that I’ve seen in these lands’ he confesses surprising you and even himself for revealing you such information. Almost leaving him on evidence for admitting that he did in fact like you a lot.

‘Stop that, come on! Don’t tease with that…just call me by my name. Anyways, please, I beg you! Come here, the water it’s amazing and look at all this beauty! Isn’t it amazing?’ you say with a smile on your lips while spinning in the water causing some splashes.

Beauty, you were such a beauty with your perfect smile and kind soul, always seeing the best in people and about any situation not matter if they were bad or terrible. You were just amazing. He was mesmerized by you, he didn’t have eyes to admire the place, his eyes were on you, always on you, you were his addiction, his drug he thought while looking at you spinning around.

He snapped back to reality when he heard his name coming out of your lips, your beautiful and kissable lips, fuck, he could hear you saying his name over and over again and he wouldn’t get tired of you calling him. You had the voice of a siren.

‘Yes?’ Sihtric said whir getting out his little trance and walking towards you. ‘I said if you wanted to join me now’ you answered hoping that he would.

‘Sure I’ll, seems pretty safe” the Dane said after looking at the surroundings for a brief moment before taking his armour off. You watched him get undressed, such a perfect body, you craved him, but deep in your mind you knew that it was wrong. But it was that thought that made you want him more and more every day. He finished undressing, and when you finished wandering around your mind you looked at him again, he was shirtless and he only had his pants on. Shit, you thought, you could not contain your nerves.

When Sihtric entered the lake, he kept a considerable distance between the two of you, he wanted to admire you and to feel you against his flesh, but he wasn’t sure if you did want the same thing, so he decided to keep a distance.

You couldn’t help but glance at him every time you would bend over to pick up little minerals, he looked so good, so desirable in the water. In that moment you wished he would make you his in that lake, even if the thoughts were inappropriate you didn’t stop your mind for making those little fake scenarios of this man in your head. And then, an idea popped up in your head; a water fight! Then you made the first move, you splashed some water on him and waited for his reaction.

Sihtric felt how some water had hit him on the chest and took a moment to process that you had started a water fight, so he moved, closer to you splashing some water with his hands towards you. You tried to cover yourself but it was impossible due to the height difference, he was taller than you, so of course he had advantage in this fight.

You and Sihtric kept on splashing water against each other until you were close enough to feel each other breath, then you stopped. You looked him in the eyes, in his beautiful two coloured eyes, gosh he was beautiful you thought, and it that moment what you most desired was him to kiss you, and it did happen. He suddenly closed the distance between the two of you and you felt his lips moving against yours. It took you by surprise, but you kissed him back after a few seconds. It felt like heaven. You knew this was a sin in your religion, but you didn’t care you had never felt more free until now, until you had tried the devils lips, the Dane’a lips.

Because of the embarrassment, you both pulled away and you felt how your cheeks had gone red. When you looked up again, he had turned his back against you, probably thinking about what he had just done. And in that moment, you took all your bravery and you placed your hands on his back. Now was time to feel and to forget. So you did it.

Your hands travelled down his back feeling how every muscle reacted under your touch, you tried to hide your nerves, but it was impossible since a small gasp had left your lips when you felt one of his hands gripping your thigh firmly.

"Do I make you nervous little flower?" Sihtric asked while facing you and putting his free hand on your waist.

You were shocked, how your touch made him react that way and tease you. You were trying to process what was happening and what he had asked you, but you had no words, no thoughts. Just a burning desire traveling across your body. But it was a sin.

‘N-No, I’m not…’ you struggled to answer, you were, you were so nervous that you could feel your head spinning.

Then, again, taking you by surprise, he kissed you, but this tule more roughly and passionate than before. You enjoyed it and kissed him back with the same intensity. Meanwhile, you felt his hands exploring your body, touching the sides of it and lifting a bit your skirt while touching you leg, so you did the same, you now placed your hands on his chest and run your fingers across his muscles. You could feel how the air was leaving your lungs, you so you both stopped for air.

Sihtric places his forehead against your and closed his eyes as he began to speak. ‘I’m sorry, I know that this is wrong, but you have me under a spell, I am afraid that you have cursed me lady’ he confesses while looking at you again.

‘Yes, it is wrong, but if you are a sin then I’m a sinner, but it felt like heaven so I’d like to touch the stars and reach god with you, only if you want me’ you answer before looking down.

Before your head was all the way down, he held your chin up and kissed you again, but this time with love, with sentiment, with adoration.

‘We should head back now, it’s late and they might be wondering where we are’ you say now while touching his hands.

‘I just wish I could freeze the time and stay with you like this forever my beautiful flower…but you are right, we should get going it is almost nightfall’ Sihtric answers while leading you out of the water.

On the rest of the journey to Coccham, you both did not say a word about what had happened in the lake, and you wanted to keep it that way, hidden underwater in the deep forest.

Maybe this was just a reflection of your own mind and heart. How you didn’t wanted to admit that this was a sin in your religion, so you placed it in the back of your mind as a memory and how it had touched your heart.

❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。❀。

Hopefully you enjoyed it!

I know that it was kinda short, but as this was my first shot, I wanted to keep it this way, to know your thoughts about it and if you did liked it or not. Thankss <3

(Again, sorry about my awful grammar)

@sihtricfedaraaahvicius @emilyhufflepufftlk @lyarahx @gemini-mama @whitedarkmoonflower

#sihtric x you #sihtric kjartansson x reader #fanfic #the last kingdom #lake #flowers #sihtric #one shot #short story

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xjoonchildx · 2 years

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kanalia | jhs x reader |chapter four: good men and temptation

banner by the amazing @kth1

⚜️summary: secrets and uncertainty plague a young queen in her arranged marriage to a kind but distant king. the farther she drifts from her husband, the closer she gets to one of his most trusted men.

⚜️pairing: queen!reader x royalguard!hoseok

⚜️rating: mature, 18+

⚜️genre: royal AU, historical AU, smut, slow burn & pining

⚜️warnings: infidelity (it’s complicated, y’all) mentions of pregnancy, fertility issues. OC struggles with depressive thoughts and episodes.

⚜️word count: 10K

⚜️notes: thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has continued to follow this story. i went through a period of terrible writer's block and self-doubt over the course of this chapter and it would not be complete without my fic accountability coach and A1 since day one @hobi-gif. also a huge thank you to @yeoldontknow and the possums who lent me their amazing eyeballs and brains -- i love you guys so much @wwilloww @reliablemitten @miscelunaaa you guys aren't just amazing writers, you're amazing people. i hope you guys enjoy this chapter 💕

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There was a time when you’d been certain the thing you wanted most was for the King to suffer.

You would fantasize about it; spend your waking hours longing for it – certain the only thing that could bring you some semblance of peace was your husband’s utter distress. Certain that seeing him broken would be the only way to feel whole.

But it’s strange, isn’t it?

The heaviness with which he drops into the ornate wingback chair at your bedside does not make you feel any lighter. The sober expression on his face as he regards you does not make you feel in any way vindicated. Nor is there any triumph to be had in the guilt that seems to radiate from his every pore, subtle as a beacon.

“How are you feeling?”

You stifle a sigh. It’s the King’s second visit to your chamber today alone and by now there is little polite, meaningless conversation left to be had.

“Much the same as I felt two hours ago, Your Grace,” you answer, regretting the blunt edge to your words when his face falls. You’re careful to soften your tone as you add, “Which is to say much improved. Thank you.”

A heavy quiet falls over the chamber again. You can’t make out the sound of the maids walking the halls outside or the ever-present din of chattering footmen on the floors below. Even the motes of dust in the air seem suspended in place, hanging motionless in the shafts of sunlight that stream in from behind your heavy curtains.

“I’ve yet to leave this bed but I think I’m feeling a bit stronger today,” you offer feebly, speaking only when the King seems to have resigned himself to silence. “The doctor assures me this is a passing malaise, nothing more.”

Your husband nods, the corners of his mouth lifting in a weak attempt at a smile.

There was a time when you might have relished the melancholy on his face. Might have found the uncharacteristic slump of his shoulders gratifying. Or taken some sordid pleasure in the way he smooths his damp palms over the thick weave of his breeches, over and over again.

But it’s strange, isn’t it?

None of it brings you any satisfaction. Seeing the King wounded does not make you less wounded. And his unhappiness does not in any way alleviate your own.

“I’ll be sure to share the details of your recovery with the many people who’ve asked after you,” he says with a joyless chuckle. “I think they’ll have my head if I don’t bring them good news in short order.”

But is Lord Jung among them?

As they so often do, your thoughts wander from the man before you—your husband—to the enigmatic Royal Guardsman. You think back to the last time you saw him, to the way he’d taken the lead in seeing you cared for when you’d been burning with fever. You think of the quiet authority and reassurance in his voice as he’d helped you reach your chambers and bed. You think of the way that voice had hardened in the tense moments after Lord Jeon had confessed to not being able to find the King.

You think of that perplexing confrontation in the courtyard.

You’ve had little more to do than contemplate the circumstances of that exchange for days now, turning the strange scene over in your mind while confined to your sickbed. What you would give to have just an inkling of what transpired between those men that night, to have any small insight into the words spoken during that terse conversation. Though in truth, some part of you suspects you already know.

Certainly something is behind your husband’s sudden bout of attentiveness.

You roll your shoulders and knead at the stiff muscles of your neck, body strained and sore from days of idleness. The pillows pressed against your lower back have slipped just enough to cause discomfort and you reach behind yourself to rearrange them.

“I can do that for you,” the King says, rushing to his feet.

He is standing at your side before you have a chance to protest the matter, carefully slipping the pillows out from behind you, painstakingly fluffing the feathers inside them until he’s satisfied with their new shape. Then he leans over the bed, solid body hovering over yours as he replaces them. You will yourself not to stiffen at his nearness, but the truth is that you’re not accustomed to being this close to your husband. Physically or otherwise.

“How does that feel?” he asks, deep voice at your ear as he moulds the pillows to the curve of your back.

“Much better, thank you,” you murmur, feeling a ripple of tension work its way up your spine when Namjoon straightens and stands back to assess his work. Your husband holds your gaze for a few slow, tortuous seconds, lips parted as though he means to speak.

Then he seems to think better of it, clearing his throat instead and looking away.

You watch his eyes move to the table at your bedside, where a fine crystal vase houses what is sure to be the two most pitiful daisies in the entire Kingdom. Boram’s note had said that Yeona selected them for you herself, the evidence of her indelicate touch plain on the flowers’ bruised petals and flattened stems. You treasure the mangled blooms anyway.

“They’re a bit worse for the wear, I’m afraid,” you comment lightly, watching the King stroke a wilted white petal with his fingertip. “Yeona is still too young to understand that some things must be handled with care.”

“So it would seem,” he says, lips twitching with amusement.

But the humor in his expression falls away as his eyes move from the daisies to the tiny bauble seated beside the delicate crystal vase. He stares at it for a while before reaching for it, the small trinket dwarfed in the palm of his large hand. You study him as he studies it, expression somber as he strokes a thumb over the bird’s smooth green wings.

And for the very first time, you see it.

No. You allow yourself to see it.

The turmoil etched into the deep crease between your husband’s brows. The regret in the firm press of his lips and the embarrassment simmering in his eyes. The remorse that shrouds him like a dark halo, hovering over him like a storm cloud.

You see it quite clearly now, don’t you? As though you’ve been wearing your pride and resentment like a blindfold and it’s suddenly fallen away, allowing you to recognize what’s been in front of you all this time.

When the King flicks his weary, dark eyes to meet yours, you don’t see your philandering husband – though certainly he is that. You see a deeply conflicted man, fighting a war on two sides. Married to one woman and in love with another. Condemning both to a strange kind of half-life in which neither will ever truly be happy. Condemning himself, too.

“I should let you rest,” he says at last, setting the bird down and you nod, a sudden tightness in your throat.

“Yes,” you agree, voice thick. “I think that’s best.”

The King leans close to you again, this time to press a soft kiss to your cheek. His hands find yours on the duvet and he squeezes them tight, causing ludicrous tears to spring to your eyes. You lower them so as not to give yourself away.

It is only when he has gone, when the door to your chamber is firmly shut, that you finally allow yourself to breathe. And then you sit there for a while, stupefied.

There was a time when you’d thought you would never share anything with your husband. But you’d been wrong.

The two of you share the same muted misery, the same low thrum of sadness that taints all things, good and bad. You share the same bone-deep unhappiness borne from this arrangement and the same secret fury at being powerless to change it.

Husband and wife, bound to one another for life. Both damned to have happiness dangle at your fingertips, but never the ability to grasp it.

Till death do you part.

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Though you feel remarkably improved after four days of confinement, Hyeri insists you stay in bed for an entire week.

The older woman has always fancied herself a bit of a mother hen, but since the onset of your illness she’s become more like a guard dog. She’s taken to sleeping on a cot in your chamber and keeping fastidious notes on your care and progress. And she’s safeguarded you like a sentry, allowing no one but the doctor and the King past the threshold to your private rooms.

You’ve taken great pains to endure her meddling with grace – in part because you’ve been in no position to fight such battles in your weakened state and in part because you understand that her coddling is rooted in genuine care and concern. Surely she must long for the children she raised and who’ve long since left her nest to start their own families. And so in their absence, you must do.

But that does not mean you intend to spend a single second longer than necessary trapped inside this chamber.

So you rise with the sun on the seventh day of your captivity, filled with a newfound determination. You are determined to leave the staid air of this chamber and breathe fresh air into your lungs. You are determined to stretch your sore muscles with a vigorous walk. And you are absolutely determined to put your foot down, lovingly, with your handmaid turned nursemaid turned jailer.

And you’ll not allow anything – certainly not the arrival of your monthly courses – to put a damper on this day.

“We’re going to have to take your gowns in,” Hyeri grumbles as her nimble fingers pull at the laces of your corset. She’d made an unhappy sound when you’d announced plans for a morning walk, but has thus far managed to refrain from voicing her discontent out loud. “Too many days without eating properly. You ought to take two servings at every meal until you’re filled out again.”

“I assure you, my appetite is fully restored along with my health,” you say, stomach rumbling beneath your skirts at the very mention of food. “I could probably take three servings in a sitting if I put my mind to it.”

“Very good then,” Hyeri chuckles, patting your back once the dress is fully secured. “I’ll have breakfast brought up at once.”

“No, you absolutely will not,” you protest, whirling on her. “I’ll go mad if I spend another minute locked away in this chamber. I’ll take my breakfast down in the kitchens, thank you very much.”

Hyeri huffs under her breath and you mimic the sound back. The older woman’s eyes narrow and you return that gesture as well, crossing your arms in challenge. The two of you stand there for a while, glowering at one another like petulant children until the sound of a singing kettle breaks the stalemate.

It’s been days since you’ve heard that sound, you realize. Days since Hyeri has set a steaming cup of that foul tea before you, only to watch you like a hawk until every last drop is gone. The shrill sound of that blasted kettle raises the hairs on the nape of your neck and sets your teeth on edge.

And it brings to mind something else you intend to put your foot down about today.

You clear your throat as Hyeri moves to see to the kettle.

“I won’t be taking the tea today, Hyeri,” you announce, straightening your spine as your brace for the argument that is sure to come. Hyeri turns away from the fire, kettle in hand, and levels you with a look.

“You’re rather spirited today, Your Grace. Do you intend to put more silver in my hair now that you are fully recovered?”

“No I do not,” you say hotly. “But I also do not intend to drink that tea. Today, tomorrow, or ever again.”

Hyeri’s rheumy eyes grow wide with shock. The playful arch of her brow falls and the teasing twist to her mouth slowly recedes. She stares at you as though she sees a stranger, not the young woman she’s come to know well after nearly one year in your service.

Maybe you are a stranger now. You certainly don’t feel like the same woman who’d fallen into that sickbed one week ago, burning with fever. Something inside of you feels like it’s shifted; like you’ve emerged from this illness stronger in ways that go beyond the physical.

“I understand that your courses have come, Your Grace, but these things take time,” she insists slowly, the paper-thin skin at the hollow of her throat wavering as she stops to swallow thickly. “I do not think now is the time to abandon this regimen. “This requires time and dedication. If you’ll just stay the course, you’ll see.”

Your bravado falters a bit at the wounded note in her voice, at the way her eyes start to pink around the rims. A tiny voice in your head warns not to press forward with the words that threaten to tumble out of your mouth but a louder voice urges you on, pushes you to make the cut as quick and clean as possible.

“Hyeri, I owe you only gratitude for the way you’ve treated me. And for your kindness in trying to help me conceive a child. But I’ve grown tired of pretending that this course of action will remedy my particular situation.” You allow yourself a deep breath before adding, “Or his.”

Hyeri blinks at you.

“I don’t understand what you mean, Your Grace.”

“Don’t you?”

You lift your chin to look Hyeri directly in the eyes, allowing your implication to hang in the air. Slowly, your nursemaid blanches, the color draining from her sweet face until all that remains are two spots of color on her cheeks. She takes a step towards the table and slowly sinks into the chair, face frozen in an expression of disbelief.

“You can’t –” the older woman starts and stops, looking bewildered. “– You can’t know that, Your Grace. You cannot be certain of such a thing.”

“You’re right,” you concede quietly, “I cannot. But there is ample reason to suspect it.”

You’re careful to temper your argument to Hyeri, though in truth you are quite convinced of your husband’s inability to produce a child. If nothing else, your last encounter with the King has only strengthened the idea in your mind. It’s the very first time in your young marriage that you’ve looked past your husband’s station and allowed yourself to see him as he truly is. His Grace – Kim Namjoon – is just a man. As fallible as any other.

But Hyeri has yet to come to any such realization. Her eyes shine bright with unshed tears from where she remains seated at the table, chin trembling.

You cross the room to go to her, carefully settling in the seat beside her and taking one of her hands into yours. You remind yourself that Hyeri has devoted years of her life to working in service of the King, that her deference for him and the very institution he represents is in her blood. That some part of her likely still thinks of Namjoon as the gangly boy she’d helped rear and not the grown man he is now.

And you remind yourself that despite her allegiance to your husband, she’s shown you nothing but kindness – and for that alone, she deserves your respect.

“Hyeri, please,” you whisper, squeezing her fingers gently. “Please know that I do not mean to upset you. I mean only to speak plainly, not to cause you any pain.”

“I had thought – I had thought there was some growth between the two of you, Your Grace. All those visits he’s made to your chamber while you’ve been ill. The way he’d fretted over your health and care. I thought – “ She pauses to shake her head as though chastising herself for entertaining such notions, “I thought that maybe something good could come of something bad.”

Your heart squeezes at Hyeri’s confession, at her well-meaning but poorly-placed idealism. You cannot fathom how despite everything she’s seen and heard, she can still hold onto the dream that what is broken between you and Namjoon can be fixed.

But you cannot fault her for it, either.

“Something good has come of it,” you say gently. “I’m not angry anymore. Not with the King and not with myself. It was weighing me down, Hyeri. As though I walked through this first year of my marriage with stones in my pockets.”

Hyeri dabs at the corners of her eyes with a sleeve.

“I know the King cares for me. I accept that.” You speak the words out loud and they strike a chord inside your chest. You know they ring true. “Just as I accept that at the very same time, he does not love me. And now I must accept that there may never be a child.”

“But there must be a child, Your Grace.” Hyeri sniffles under her breath as she wrenches her gaze from your joined hands to look you in the eye. “The future of the throne depends on it. What will come of the King’s line if he does not have an heir?”

“I don’t know,” you admit, thumb tracing an absentminded pattern over the soft, diaphanous skin of her knuckles. “Perhaps he will send me away.”

“He wouldn’t,” Hyeri protests, indignation flaring behind her muted dark eyes.

You suspect that Hyeri has the right of it. Namjoon does not strike you as the kind of man who’d want to court such a scandal, nor does he seem uncaring enough to want to cut you loose in such a humiliating fashion. And as many times as you’ve daydreamed about being freed from the shackles of this loveless marriage, the mere thought of returning home to your mother – of bringing your entire family that kind of shame – is devastating.

You’d sooner throw yourself from the carriage tasked with taking you home than endure that fate.

“I say these things not to upset you, Hyeri. Or to speak ill of the King. I say them only because if I’ve learned nothing else since coming here, I’ve learned to guard my heart. This is me guarding my heart.”

The tears gathered at the corners of Hyeri’s eyes spill over, though she does not make a sound. You dab at them with your own sleeve now, earning a sad smile from your handmaid.

“There could still be a child, Your Grace,” she says softly, “Some day. None of us know what’s written on the days that are yet to come.”

“You are right,” you concede with a sad smile. “And I would be very glad to be wrong.”

“So there is always hope,” Hyeri concludes, squaring her shoulders. Just speaking the words out loud seems to have reinforced her spirit. In this moment, she reminds you of the daisies at your bedside – battered but still bending towards the sunlight.

“Yes,” you agree, if only to bring her some solace. “There is always hope.”

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

The King calls for dinner to be held in the great hall to celebrate your return to good health.

He surprises you by seeing to many of the details himself, though you suspect Hyeri has played some part in bringing his vision to life. The generous spread wheeled out and served to the guests in attendance consists of only your most beloved dishes and desserts. And the hall is decorated in a bevy of cosmos flowers – the very kind that grow in abundance in Namjoon’s grand aviary.

It’s not all his doing, of course. It is the kitchen staff that spends hours preparing the food and the steward who sees to each plush flower centerpiece placed at the tables. But it is the King who directs their steps, and in doing so you cannot help but feel flattered by his consideration.

But you also cannot help but be flustered by his attention.

Whereas Namjoon would normally spend the lion’s share of his evening consorting with the assembled guests, tonight he has yet to stray more than an arm’s length from your side. You are keenly aware of his nearness as smiling people approach you from all sides, each expressing what seems to be genuine relief at news of your recovery.

It’s been months since the last communal dinner was held in this hall, and perhaps that is why it seems as though you could be swallowed whole in the sea of people gathered here tonight. Foreign and familiar faces alike swim by in all directions. Children cut narrow paths through the fray, darting between legs as they chase one another around, their laughter barely audible over the din of clinking cups and clattering dishes.

You do not know at what point you start searching each passing face for a pair of searing almond-shaped eyes and a heart-shaped mouth. But you do know at which point you realize it.

“You are not fatigued, are you?”

The sound of your husband’s deep baritone at the shell of your ear nearly makes you jump. You turn to him, careful to keep your eyes downcast. Certain that if you allow him too close a look he’ll recognize the guilt written all over your face.

Certainly he would know what it looks like.

“Not at all. Though I must admit to my feet being tired,” you sigh, gesturing to the beautiful calfskin boots that peek out from beneath your heavy skirts. “I’m afraid these are not quite broken in yet.”

“Then I’ll get you a chair,” the King says without hesitation, turning at once to make good on that promise. You stop him with one firm tug to his arm.

“Please no,” you protest, by now thoroughly unsettled by your husband’s careful oversight. “That’s not necessary, truly. I think I’ll walk around a bit and see if I can find Boram. I can rest my feet while we speak.”

“Very well,” Namjoon agrees, dark eyes boring into yours. “Send word immediately if you need me.”

You are bowing to him before the words are even fully out his mouth, quickling slipping away and into the current of moving bodies around you. You try not to call attention to yourself, but it cannot be helped. The crowds part to make way as you walk, people stopping to bow as you pass. You acknowledge each with an absentminded smile as you resume your search for those familiar dark eyes. You cannot find them.

“Your Grace!”

But it is only moments later that a familiar voice finds you. It breaks clear through the commotion and you turn toward it to find Boram waving at you from her seat at the longtable, sweet Yeona perched on her lap. The baby mimics her mother’s gesture, flapping her own hand wildly in greeting. The sight of them both is enough to make your heart burst.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you girls,” you sigh, surging forward to envelop both in an indelicate hug. You take a seat at Boram’s side and she proudly lifts Yeona to her feet. The baby plants them firmly on her mother’s lap, legs strong and steady beneath her.

“How is it possible she’s changed so much in little more than a week?” you wonder aloud, smiling in response to Yeona’s happy gurgle and wide grin. “She looks like a child ready to walk and not the little dumpling I saw last.”

“She really does,” Boram agrees with a wistful smile. “It’s all happening so fast. But you, My Grace, you look changed too! Even more vibrant than before. I would scarcely believe you’ve just emerged from your sickbed if I did not know it to be true.”

Your friend’s praise sends a pleasant heat to your cheeks.

“You flatter me,” you demur with a soft smile. “I’m so relieved to be free from confinement that I must be wearing my happiness for everyone to see, that’s all.”

“Well, it suits you,” Boram declares. “We were all quite worried about you. When Yoongi came home that day, he’d told me you were in a terrible state. I pestered him for news every day until he told me of your recovery.”

“I cannot recall ever feeling so ill,” you admit. “But I was well cared for, thankfully. And Yeona’s flowers were at my bedside to brighten my spirits. And I have yet to see Lord Min and thank him personally for helping me that day. Is he here tonight?”

“Somewhere,” Boram laughs. “Off with the men, I suppose. I’ve been waiting on him to return so that I might have an opportunity to stretch my legs and greet some of the old friends I’ve seen walking about.” She gestures to a tankard at the empty space beside her. “But he can’t have wandered too far if he’s left his ale behind.”

You laugh, reaching out to tickle Yeona’s belly and the baby squeals in response.

“Go on then,” you say, reaching for Yeona. She comes to you without hesitation, grin wide enough to bare the tiny teeth that have broken through her bottom gums. “I can sit with Yeona and you can have a few minutes to yourself. We’ll be right here when you return.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind? She’s dry and fed and I won’t be gone long.”

“I don’t mind at all,” you insist, bouncing Yeona on your knee and earning another squeal. “I’m happy to keep her any time you need a break.”

Boram’s smile is genuine and grateful. She puts a hand on your knee and squeezes it as she leans in to kiss her baby girl’s cheek.

“You are very kind, Your Grace. Thank you.”

You smile back, passing a hand over the soft hair at Yeona’s crown, smoothing down the tiny curls that have sprung up around her ears. “It’s no trouble at all.”

Boram casts a backward glance at you both as she leaves and you reassure her with a wave, which Yeona is quick to mimic.

“Such a smart girl, aren’t you?” you coo, pressing a kiss to her temple and inhaling her sweet scent. “Smartest girl in the entire kingdom. Perhaps some day you will be queen, hmm?”

“That would be an interesting turn of events,” a voice that is certainly not Yeona’s answers. The sound of it steals your breath and you turn towards it slowly, only to find Lord Jung standing before you. His dark eyes dance with amusement. “Although I think poor Yoongi would perish at the very notion of a royal bride price.”

It’s a wonder that Yeona does not fuss when your hold on her goes a bit tight in response to his sudden appearance. Your heart rattles inside your ribcage.

“My Lord,” you breathe, eyes wide as you watch him take a seat beside you. “Forgive me, I did not see you there.”

“Perhaps you ought to forgive me,” he says playfully, offering Yeona a finger that she immediately seizes with one chubby fist. “I did not announce myself.”

He smiles at Yeona then – full and brilliant – and she surprises you by turning coquettishly away to bury her face in the crook of your neck. Lord Jung chuckles and you find yourself staring at him, dazzled stupid by his beauty. Breath caught in your throat as your eyes sweep over his long, sooty lashes and sunkissed skin.

Has he always been this breathtaking?

Yeona lifts her head to peek at him once more. He reaches out to tickle her and then she’s hiding her face again, smothering her giggles against you.

“I think she fancies you,” you say at last, swallowing thickly when Lord Jung lifts his dark eyes to meet yours.

“I’m a bit too old for her, I’m afraid,” he teases, mouth curved into a soft smile. It slowly falls away as his expression grows more serious.

“It’s a relief to see you looking so well, Your Grace,” he murmurs. “Truly.”

There is a sincerity in that declaration that makes you feel warm and pliant inside. You shift Yeona on your lap so that you might have a plausible reason to look away, though truly it is only because looking him in the eye makes you feel vulnerable.

“It is a relief to be well,” you admit shyly. “And that is in large part due to you, My Lord. The other men, as well,” you add, almost as an afterthought. “I still shudder to think what might have happened that day had Lord Jeon not found me when he did.”

“Yes, I think we are all grateful for his vigilance. And I am glad that we were able to help,” Lord Jung says, watching you rub circles across Yeona’s back. The baby settles into your hold, soft cheek pressed to the juncture of your neck. “I hate to see anyone in that condition.”

You flick your eyes up at the note of melancholy in that statement. Surely he must be thinking of his late wife and her untimely death. To hear Boram tell it, the young woman passed nearly a year before your arrival here but something about his somber expression makes you wonder if that wound is still fresh. If you were a more courageous woman, you would ask.

But you are not.

“Well I am healthy now, My Lord,” you reassure him. “Fully recovered and feeling more like myself than I have in ages.”

He smiles as he reaches one hand out to stroke the soft curls at the base of Yeona’s neck. The baby sighs under her breath, but does not stir.

“I’m working at the stables this week,” he says after a moment. “Perhaps now that you feel – “

“There you are! I think I’ve walked nearly this entire hall looking for you.”

Both you and Lord Jung startle when the sound of a new voice joins the fray. You turn your head to find the King standing in front of you, eyes moving from you to the Royal Guardsman and back. And though there is a smile on his face, it does not quite reach his eyes.

“Your Grace.” Lord Jung quickly stands to his feet and bows in one fluid motion. You make no move to follow suit with Yeona in your arms, her breaths soft and slow and even at your ear. But you do manage a smile for the King, a weak one, even though both your heart and mind are racing. Even though in some way it feels as though he’s interrupted a moment of intimacy.

You wonder if the King feels it, too.

“I’ve not seen you all night, Jung,” Namjoon says pleasantly enough, clapping a hand over the Guardsman’s shoulder. Lord Jung returns Namjoon’s smile with an easy one of his own. You watch them both with careful curiosity, searching each man’s face for any sign of the tension you’d witnessed the other night in the courtyard. You find none, but you cannot be sure if that is because it no longer exists – or because both are accomplished in the art of diplomacy.

“I’ve been milling about,” Lord Jung explains, gesturing to you. “This is the first time I’ve seen the Queen since her confinement and I wanted to ask after her. I’m sure you both are quite glad of her recovery.”

“That we are,” the King says. He brushes past Lord Jung to take the man’s place on the bench beside you. “Though I suspect I’ve kept her out too late tonight and she’ll need her rest.”

You nearly open your mouth to protest but decide against it.

“Perhaps it’s time for me to retire as well,” Lord Jung says lightly. “I have an early morning ahead of me with the horses. It’s best I take my leave now and bid a good night to you both.”

He wastes no time in quickly bowing to you both before turning to leave.

You’re careful not to watch him go, though the King certainly does. Namjoon’s dark eyes follow Lord Jung’s steps until he is too far gone into the crowd to spot any longer. Your stomach churns at the expression on your husband’s face, at the dark curiosity in his narrowed eyes and arched brow.

“He’s restless of late,” the King says under his breath. Though you’ve heard him quite clearly, it seems safer somehow to pretend otherwise.

“I beg your pardon, Your Grace?”

“Lord Jung,” he clarifies, shifting his gaze back to you. “He’s not been himself these last months. Unsettled. Tense, perhaps.”

Your pulse leaps at your husband’s observation though you cannot be sure if the cause is excitement or fear. Yeona feels like a cinder in your arms now, her little body radiating an uncomfortable warmth against your already heated skin. You feel sweat start to bead at the back of your neck.

“I – do not know him as well as you do, Your Grace,” you say slowly, reaching for each word as carefully as fine crystal. “And therefore, I am in no position to say. But I trust that you have the right of it.”

The King strokes a soft hand down Yeona’s back and you hold perfectly still, as though you fear any sudden move will incite him. As though the reserved man you’ve been married to for all these months might spring on you like a bear trap if he’s managed to discern all the traitorous thoughts you’ve entertained.

But your husband does nothing of the sort.

His mouth tilts thoughtfully as he sits back to watch you, babe in arms. And in this picture of you and Yeona together, woman and child, he must see what he believes to be the solution to this dilemma concerning his lifelong friend. That can be the only explanation for what he says next.

“I think Hoseok is in need of a wife.”

You taste iron in your mouth.

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

My Dearest Sister –

It has been some time since your last letter, but I have decided not to be cross. A forgiving spirit is but one of my enviable qualities and thus I have chosen to grant you a modicum of grace.

I write to you today with very exciting news. I’m in love!

His name is Chul and no, he is not of your acquaintance. It has been but three months since he and his father arrived in this village. He is frightfully handsome and best of all, prefers me to all the other young women who’ve been vying for his attention. I am the envy of the lot when we walk together in the evenings and always make sure to take the path closest to Park Myeong’s home because I know it vexes her to no end.

Dear Sister, he has asked me to marry him!

And while I suspect Father will be more than happy to see me married off in short order, I am quite certain that Mother will object. Chul is only yet a blacksmith’s apprentice but once he completes his training, he will be an expert. And I have no doubt of his ability to provide me with a comfortable life, though it will likely never meet our Mother’s exacting standards.

There is something else I must confess before I end this letter, something quite scandalous. And as I am unable to utter a word of this to anyone, I feel as though I might burst if I do not write it down.

A wondrous new world has been opened up to me!

I understand that the private delights enjoyed between a man and woman are nothing new to you, but this discovery has been a rather thrilling one for me. Chul and I are soon to be married and I cannot find good reason to forgo the heady pleasure of an afternoon spent with his hand up my skirts.

I will say no more, lest you faint dead away and someone find this letter next to your body.

I can barely contain my happiness. It feels as though I’m standing at the edge of my old life and preparing to dive into the new. The next time I write you, it will be to announce my formal betrothal and to share the happy news of my wedding plans.

With love,

Chaehee

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

You fold the paper in your hands and stare blankly into the fire in the hearth, watching the flames dance as you consider every startling revelation in your sister’s letter. At this very moment you should be seated at your desk, furiously scribbling a stern missive back to your wayward Chaehee and warning her of the ruin that almost certainly lies ahead. But you cannot. You sit in your plush chair immobilized, unable to move or act or think of anything beyond her words.

Happiness. Love. Pleasure.

Your poor sister would be aghast to discover that you know precisely nothing about any of them. That despite your status as a married woman – a Queen! – you are no more enlightened on these matters than she is. Probably less so now.

The flames in the hearth are dying by the time you finally manage to lift yourself out of that chair. You drop the letter onto the glowing embers below and watch as the paper burns bright orange and then black.

You watch until the edges curl into themselves and the pieces turn to ash and the fire consumes it whole.

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Love, it would seem, is catching these days.

Your sister is hardly the only one to fall under its spell. Everywhere you look, you see it – in the kitchens where the cooks titter about their suitors, in the laundry where the washgirls trade heated glances with the butlers. In the halls where a footman and maid break apart when you turn a corner, cheeks flushed and breaths labored as you pass.

It’s as though love is a contagion being carried on the crisp fall air, infecting everyone who breathes it in.

Well, perhaps not everyone.

The King remains unaffected by whatever madness has come over his people. His peculiar interest in you proves to be a fleeting thing, one that wanes as life returns to routine in the days following your illness. You take up your daily morning walks and afternoon excursions to the aviary once again and the King resumes his own afternoon pursuits, vanishing at midday with such punctuality that you wonder if he’s actually being timed.

But you cannot find it in yourself to be surprised or even angry at this turn of events. In truth, there is a sense of relief that comes with the respite from your husband’s attentions. Too much time in the presence of the King muddies the waters. And in many ways you find that it is easier to live between clearly drawn lines.

But there are other lines, too. Ones that are far less clear.

Not unlike the neat line of stones that frame the path you are walking this morning. You round the curve that passes close to the stables with a basket in hand, stealing glances from beneath the brim of the hat Hyeri had insisted you wear today. Slowly, the horse pen comes into view.

He comes into view.

It is astonishing that the man can steal your breath like this. That just one glimpse of him – lean arms crossed over his chest, brow knit in concentration, dark hair falling into his eyes – is capable of making your pulse quicken.

You find yourself drifting off the neat stone path, body moving of its own volition in the direction of the stables. The ground beneath you, dusty and dry from weeks without rain, crunches loudly beneath your walking boots and Lord Jung turns at the sound.

The slow smile that tugs at the corners of his mouth is enough to make you lightheaded with excitement.

But the sensation vanishes nearly as quickly as it comes on.

“I think Hoseok is in need of a wife.”

The King’s words come back to you in that moment, ringing in your ears like the steady clang of a watchtower bell. How much longer will it be before Lord Jung succumbs to the madness that’s taken over this place? How much longer before he announces his betrothal? The man could be in the throes of a grand love affair at this very minute and you would be none the wiser.

The thought makes the blood in your veins turn to ice.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” he greets kindly from his side of the fence, paying his respects with a deep bow. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

A surprise to him perhaps, but not to you. In the days since Lord Jung declared his plans to work in the stables this week, you’ve been able to think of little else. And though you’d not been entirely certain of your intentions as you’d set out for this morning’s walk, you’d become quite certain of them as soon as you’d spotted his lithe frame in the distance.

“Good morning,” you breathe, damning the blasted hat that forces you to lift your chin in order to see him properly. You raise a hand to your brow to shield your eyes from the sunlight. “I hope you do not mind this disruption. I saw new horses in the pen and could not resist the urge to stop and admire them.”

It’s a half-truth, of course, though you must admit the horses are quite beautiful. You crane your neck to take a better look at them, a pair of pretty females with small statures and amber coats. One stands patiently still as a stablehand inspects its hooves, the other trots gentle circles around a second man.

“They’re good horses,” Lord Jung says. “Docile demeanors. Fast learners. Nothing like that hellion I worked with last.” He shakes his head at the memory and you cannot help but smile. “I don’t know that I’ll ever come across another animal quite like him.”

“Well, that’s probably for the best,” you laugh and he laughs too, the honeyed sound of it making your heart soar.

“Is this visit made in haste?” He motions to the basket in your hands and you blink down at it dumbly, as though you’d forgotten it was there at all. “Or do you have time to come in and see them for yourself?”

You drop your head a bit, just enough to allow the brim of your hat to conceal the way you flush with happiness at his invitation.

“I’m in no hurry. And I would like that very much.”

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

You stroke the horse’s muzzle with an open palm and the animal blinks its huge eyes, tail swaying back and forth in the wind.

She likes you – even without your knowledge of horses you’d be able to discern that from her relaxed stance and the happy sound of her nickering. She keeps her head dropped low and you reward her obedience with a firm scratch behind her ears.

Beside you, Lord Jung works a coarse-bristled brush through the horse’s mane, stroking through the strands until they shine. It’s mesmerizing to watch him work, to watch the tendons of his strong forearms strain and the muscles ripple beneath his golden skin.

“She’s comfortable with you.”

He doesn’t take his eyes off the steady work of his hands, but your skin prickles with awareness at his casual observation. It makes you wonder what else he has taken note of when you’ve assumed his attention has been elsewhere.

“And I with her,” you return, patting the animal’s strong neck. “She reminds me of my mare back home.”

“Oh?”

“Not in her appearance exactly,” you explain, “But in her temperament. She has a very sweet spirit.”

“That she does,” Lord Jung agrees, dropping the brush into a bucket at his feet. He reaches into his pocket to produce a small oat cake, a reward for the animal’s obedience which the horse is quick to accept.

“What is her name?”

“She doesn’t have one,” he admits, lips pursing thoughtfully. “I don’t think the King intends to keep her. I expect that he will sell them both in order to acquire a more powerful horse. One better suited to heavy labor.”

“What a shame,” you say under your breath, hand coming to rest on the bridge of the horse’s nose. She nudges you with it, urging you to resume your attentions and you oblige with a sad smile. “Not fair is it, girl? Being cast aside like that.”

Lord Jung is quiet for a moment, long enough that you lift your head to search for him and find him already looking at you. There is something stormy swirling in his dark gaze. He quickly averts it to look away in the direction of the castle and you watch with careful curiosity as he drags a hand down his jaw before turning back to you.

“There’s a creek in the woods behind me. Do you know it?”

“I do,” you say slowly, uncertainty flooding your bloodstream.

“Do you know how to get to the mouth of it?”

“Yes,” you admit, heart starting to beat double-time. “I do.”

“Will you meet me there tomorrow? In the afternoon. At the time you would normally visit the aviary.”

At best, the proposition is improper – and at worst, scandalous. You know very well that no married woman of good standing should ever agree to a clandestine encounter with a man who is not her husband.

But still you answer without hesitation.

“Yes,” you whisper. “I will.”

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Try as you might, sleep will not come.

You lie in the dark for what feels like an eternity, imagining shapes in the shadows cast overhead. Your entire body tingles with a nervous energy that makes it impossible to lie still or allow your mind to rest. So you toss and turn – until your bedding becomes a mess and your sheets become impossibly tangled about your limbs. Until you have no choice but to abandon the endeavor entirely and decide to shake off your blankets and climb out of bed.

You grab your shawl and sink into the chair beside the fire, pensive as you watch the embers dim and cool.

Somewhere in the belly of the hearth at your feet lies the remnants of Chaehee’s letter. The pages are little more than ash and soot by now, surely, but the words inscribed on them remain seared into your heart and mind. Impulsive as she can be – reckless as she can be – your brave little sister has still managed to secure the things you covet most in this life.

Happiness. Love. Pleasure.

They all have it, don’t they? The cooks and the washgirls and the maids. They flit about this castle like doves, preening as they exchange knowing smiles. All partaking together in some grand shared secret while you remain grounded, tethered by decorum and duty.

Well, no more.

You’ll not spend one more moment sitting idly by as the women around you do exactly as they please, paying no mind to the rules that have dictated every circumstance in your life. You’ll not devote another ounce of your energy to resenting anyone fearless enough to do the things you’ve always been too timid to attempt.

So you tiptoe back to bed, as though any errant sound might bring every servant in the castle running to your chamber.

You peel back the duvet and burrow back into your bedding, heart pounding in your ears. And then you slide one unsteady hand beneath the gauzy material of your nightgown and down to the apex of your thighs. Then you touch yourself – there – with a light press of your open palm.

Nothing happens.

So you do it again – firmer – spreading your legs a bit wider and feeling for the hidden place that has produced an unexpected shock of sensation for you before.

Nothing happens.

But you keep pressing. Again and again and again until your hips start to move of their own accord. You keep pressing until you feel a strange pulse there, the steady motion earning you an enticing friction that comes each time you rock against the heel of your hand.

You keep pressing and rocking until the feeling becomes a pleasant ache between your thighs, as frustrating as it is fascinating. Because though you find the sensation agreeable, it is nothing like what Chaehee had described to you so long ago. And though you can feel it – the promise of something more – you have no idea how to harness it.

You have no understanding of what comes next or how to make it more.

Eventually you have no choice but to abandon that endeavor too, limbs and eyelids heavy when sleep finally comes for you. And when you submit to it, finally allow it to pull you under, your very last thought is that you will try again.

You must.

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

“Is the meal not to your liking, Your Grace?”

Hyeri lifts one thin gray eyebrow as she fixes you with a strange look from across the table. She nudges the plate in front of you and you blink, rousing from your daze.

The food is perfectly to your liking actually, the smell of the sugared toast and eggs enticing enough to make your mouth water. But your stomach is wildly unsettled this morning, already roiling beneath your skirts at the thought of seeing Lord Jung and you fear partaking in more than just a few bites of food will cause you to retch.

“No, no, not at all,” you shake your head as you collect your thoughts. “It looks delicious. But my stomach feels a bit weak this morning and I would rather not test it.”

“You’re not feeling poorly again, are you?” Hyeri asks, frowning as she reaches for the glass jar of jam between you. “Perhaps you ought to stay in bed today, allow your body to rest.”

“No.” The word flies out of your mouth with much more force and much more volume than you’d intended. Hyeri’s eyes narrow as she nibbles at the corner of a toast point.

“There’s something curious about you this morning, Your Grace,” she says slyly. “You woke up with your head in the clouds and now you’re as skittish as a colt. Is there something afoot you need to tell me about?”

A self-conscious heat rises to your cheeks. “Of course not,” you sniff.

But the skeptical look on Hyeri’s face remains intact. “You look well,” she murmurs, as though assessing the veracity of your claim to good health. Her eyes rake down the pretty walking dress you’d selected for today, one of your best. “You look very well, actually.”

Oh, you must leave this chamber at once.

When Hyeri looks at you like this, you feel as transparent as a pane of glass. The porcelain plates and cups on top of the table rattle as you quickly get to your feet.

“You are far too kind to me, Hyeri,” you say, careful to avoid direct contact with her as you gather your shawl and basket. “Truly. And I think a morning walk is just the thing to improve my appetite.”

“But – ”

“ – I have a very busy day planned,” you say, ignoring Hyeri’s half-hearted objections as you hurry towards the chamber door. “And I may decide to visit with the Min girls, as well,” you lie, grateful to have your back turned towards your handmaid.

“But – ”

You fling the heavy door open and briefly turn in the threshold, just long enough to see Hyeri’s wide eyes and slack jaw.

“Don’t wait for me!” you insist, forcing a wide smile. “I’ll return before dinner tonight.”

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

You spend what remains of your morning in the aviary, alternating between attempting to read the book in your hands and staring up at the birds overhead, lost in thought.

What does Lord Jung want with you?

Contemplating the answer to that question is thrilling and terrifying in equal measure. You are in many ways – too many ways – still quite naive about the ways of men. Is he simply extending you a kindness or is there something more? The very prospect is fraught with danger.

But not even the risk of ruin is enough to stop you from seeking him out. And when the agreed-upon time for your rendezvous finally arrives, not even the threat of being discovered in a secret meeting with a man who is not your husband is enough to keep you away.

So you go to him – one careful step at a time, hiking your skirts to step over the roots dotted across the forest floor.

As you walk, a flash of movement catches your eye and you squint at it through the thinning trees. It starts to take shape as you near, the amber color of it sparking a realization in your mind.

A horse. No – horses.

Both animals come into view as you step into the clearing – the pretty mare from the stables secured to one tree and the King’s magnificent warhorse to another. Lord Jung stands at the warhorse’s side, his delicate mouth curved into a devastating smile.

“Your Grace.” He dips into his customary bow and you nod, incredulous as you take in the entire scene. “I thought you might like to go for a ride.”

Oh, but you would. In fact, your pulse leaps with excitement at the very suggestion. But you look down at your fine walking dress and sigh. “I would love to, truly. But I’m not dressed to ride.”

“If you think me capable of spiriting away both a pair of horses and a set of riding clothes, I’m afraid you’ve overestimated my abilities,” Lord Jung teases, causing heat to creep up the line of your back. “But the decision is entirely up to you.”

You silently scold yourself for voicing your hesitation out loud. This man has gone out of his way to offer you this opportunity, one you’ve craved since the moment you stepped foot on the King’s land.

You want to go. You will go.

“Well, I – “ you flush a bit as you gesture at the amber mare, then down to your long skirts. “-- I’ll need some help getting onto her, you see.”

Lord Jung’s dark eyes crinkle with amusement.

“Yes, of course.”

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

The ride is glorious.

You’ll be saddle sore tomorrow, no doubt, but today you can only think of how free you feel riding on top of your amber mare. She’s an ideal mount for you, both in size and demeanor and you find that she follows your cues exceptionally well.

You follow Lord Jung’s lead through parts of the Kingdom you’ve never seen before — green hills and rolling fields dotted with wildflowers. And when you arrive at a particularly open stretch of land, you urge your mount to move faster and she complies, taking you from an easy trot to a gallop with surprising speed.

But soon – far too soon – it’s time to rest the horses.

Lord Jung helps you down from your mount, his hands firm about your waist as he carefully sets you on the ground. Surely it is only your imagination that he holds you just a bit too close and for just a bit too long. You breathe him in – take in his masculine scent of leather and sweat.

Being this close to the man scrambles your wits.

You let go of a breath when he breaks away from you to rifle through the contents of his bag. Within moments, he produces a skin of water and two apples, one of which you happily accept as the two of you sit down amongst the wildflowers to rest.

“This has been a wonderful afternoon, My Lord,” you say genuinely. “I hadn’t realized just how much I missed riding.”

“You’re good at it,” he compliments kindly, tipping his head back to take a drink. “And the two of you pair well together. She responds to you quite naturally.”

“Yes, I believe she does,” you agree, looking over your shoulder to where both horses are tethered. “And Jeonsa? He seems to do quite well with you. Is he biddable for the King, as well?”

Lord Jung puts on an amused expression and shakes his head.

“The relationship between horse and rider is a bit like courtship. Let’s just say the King has a bit more courting to do.”

The two of you share a laugh.

“Thank you My Lord,” you say after a while, “Truly, for all of this. I don’t know that anyone has ever gone to such trouble for me.”

Lord Jung’s dark eyes snap up to meet yours. There’s something puzzling about his gaze, something entirely at odds with your sincere statement of thanks.

“I wonder if I might ask you something of a personal nature, Your Grace.”

Your nails immediately curl into the fine material of your skirts, the pressure turning your knuckles white. But you are careful to keep your expression calm.

“Yes of course,” you say with a strained laugh. “Though I may decide not to divulge my answer.”

He looks away from you then, reaching for a long blade of grass at his feet. His expression inscrutable as he plucks it and begins to worry the blade between his fingers.

“Are you unhappy here?”

You take in a sharp breath. The question is far too personal, far too intimate to be proper in any way. But you find yourself answering it – truthfully – because he’s caught you so off guard you have no choice but to respond with candor.

“Some days,” you admit quietly. “But not today.”

Lord Jung says nothing for a while and the blade of grass between his fingers eventually breaks apart. He throws it down and reaches for another.

“The King is by no means perfect, Your Grace,” he starts, pausing as though he’s giving great thought to each word. “But he is a brother to me in all but blood. I’ve spent the better part of my life at his side. He’s a good man.”

The hairs at the nape of your neck stand on end.

Is this why he’s brought you here today? To make a case on behalf of the King? Your cheeks heat at the thought of every silly notion you’d entertained otherwise.

“Did he ask you to do this?” you demand, “Did he tell you to speak to me?”

“No.” His answer is firm, immediate. “No, I swear it. But I know that you have been unhappy since coming here and I just ask that you give His Grace a chance to make things right.”

You’ll hear none of it. The magic of the afternoon is gone now, the entire outing tainted by this tense exchange. By this reminder that Lord Jung’s loyalties lie with your husband, and that any kindness he’s shown you is little more than an extension of his service to the King.

What a fool you’ve been.

“You needn’t defend the King,” you say tightly, getting to your feet and dusting your hands off on your skirts. “I assure you, he has no shortage of people to come to his defense. And I think we should go now.”

“Your Grace, “ Lord Jung is on his feet now, too. “By no means would I ever want to upset you.”

It’s far too late for that, you think – the disappointment so acute it makes you want to double over. You turn your back to him and stalk off towards your mount, blinking back the angry tears that threaten.

“I’m not explaining myself well,” he insists, following you and taking firm hold of your arm. He turns you to face him. “I mean only to say that I know the King to be a good man. But even good men are weak to certain temptations.”

“And you, Lord Jung?”

You challenge him without thinking, the words flying out of your mouth before you can stop them. “What temptation are you weak to?”

The man’s dark eyes glint dangerously as he regards you for a moment, jaw tight.

“You’re right, Your Grace,” he says at last. “It’s time to go.”

thank you thank you thank you for reading this story. i'd love to hear what you thought and you can find me here 💕💕💕

#hoseok smut #jhope smut #network bangtan #thebtswritersclub #ksmutclub #bangtanarmynet

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maxiwaxipads · 17 days

Text

Arupek sets off to leave Tuxedo Sam's Kingdom! What's left is preparations before continuing the journey!

Tuxam - “…Restocked rations. Check! Clothing…? We shouldn’t be too careless. Here. I’ll put extra layers for you.” Arupek - “I guess there isn’t harm with a few more layers!” Aurpek - “But Tuxam, aren’t you going to be cold as well?” Tuxam - “Me? I’m quite used to the cold at this point!” “I’ll be fine even if I had minimum clothing on.” Tuxam - “If it’s fine with you, I’d like to accompany you until we’ve reached [Route 1].” “The SEEDs surrounding milord’s territory are dangerous and aren’t the kinds to take alone!” Arupek - “But what if SEEDs attack the kingdom while you’re away?” Tuxam - “That’s why I’ll take you from [Route 1].” “The SEEDs rarely make it across the kingdom, but that doesn’t mean I should be careless.” “I’d take you further… But after recent events, I shouldn’t…” Tuxam - “It isn’t too far from the kingdom, and if I sprinted, I could likely make it in time.” “But if you’re underestimating this kingdom, I’ll abandon the thought of helping you in the first place!” Arupek - “I’m thankful for your help!” Aurpek - “Let’s go fishing the next time!” “I want to try the fish in your kingdom.” Tuxam - “With… Me?” Arupek - “Who else am I talking to?” “You’ve been so reliable, and helped me so far!” Tuxam - “I’ll have to find time in my schedule!” “Send me yours, and let’s see what we can do.” Arupek - “It might be hard right now…” Tuxam - “N—Not now! Later!” “Let’s go already!” Tuxam - “(But… Am I sure he’s only interested in the fish or…?)” “(No! Now’s not the time!)”

(Additional Information/Tangents):

I like to imagine Tuxedo Sam’s kingdom sits in a snowy landscape, with the capital being a walled city that protects itself from SEEDs (physically sturdier than most, but weaker against magic).

I like to think the answer to Tuxam’s question is both! Arupek genuinely admires everyone in Noir Bouquet and isn’t afraid to express that. A really passionate guy! Arupek wants to meet Tuxam on a better note and also try the local fish in the region.

"[Route 1]" is a placeholder because I don't have a name, and it'll probably never have a name... or maybe it's an unintentional pokemon reference...

Arupek - “I know! We should go ice fishing!” “At your lord’s kingdom! Wait—Wait! Maybe we can even invite Lord Pekkle and Lord Tuxedo Sam as well?” Tuxam - “Hm… I’m not against the idea, but it might be cold.” “Are you sure?” Arupek - “How can I not be?” “This is time we can spend together!” “Oh!” “What are you thinking, Tuxam?” Tuxam - “There’s a place I’ve been thinking about…” “Have you heard of the Tuxedo Sam comics?” Arupek - “I’ve heard of it!” Tuxam - “You have!?” “That’s amaz—Ahem. In comic issue #37, Tuxedo Sam and the Hidden Lake; milord, Tuxedo Sam stubbles onto a lake upon accident.” “To much of his surprise, the fish there are purely yellow and resemble gold!” “It is greatly described in detail and said to be quite exceptional in taste!” “Finding this lake… I always wanted to do it!” Arupek - “A hidden lake with golden fish with exceptional taste!?” “I’m drooling!” Tuxam - “Wipe it with this.” (Hands a handkerchief) Arupek - “Oh! I didn’t mean it like that, but I’ll produce a little bit of drool so it can be of use.” Tuxam - “Make sure to return it clean the next time.” Arupek - “I will!”

(Weeks Later)

Tuxam - “What is… That?” Arupek - “A cooking set!” “If we’re set to eat yellow fish with a golden look with exceptional taste, we have to eat them in every way possible!” “You know. Grilled. Poached. Steamed. Cured. Raw.” “So I brought a cooking set!” Tuxam - “Every way… Possible?” Arupek - “Yup!” “Oh—Wait… No. I was thinking we could make sushi for Badobarm, but we don’t have rice.” “Do you think it is already too late…?” “Hm. You think if I ran fast enough, we could buy rice in your lord’s kingdom?”

Tuxam, who sits there not expecting this

#fragaria memories #fragaria memories headcanons #tuxam #arupek #fragmem #i have an absurd amount of tuxam brainrot and i would post it all in an instant if i didn't have restraint #i have other brainrot on the others but its mainly tuxam #the moment i found out tuxedo sam apparently served the navy i took that idea and ran it. now boom! tuxedo sam has a comic series idea!#i wrote the last part with the implication that arupek brought a whole kitchen with him #Arupek: “(But even later I won't be able to send it...?)” “(Later later? A later before that later)?” “(How later is later?)” “(Later^10?)”#if i continued writing this off the fish will be only referred as “the yellow fish with a golden look with exceptional taste”#and it gets longer and more absurd and it has to rhyme and when it doesnt rhyme thats the gag #“the yellow fish with a golden look with exceptional taste... wait! those scales resemble Lord Pekkle's face!?”#“the yellow fish with a golden look with exceptional taste now discovered to be the size of tokyo tower!?”#i wrote arupek and tuxam in a certain way but i wonder how different theyll be compared to this in ep1 and forward?#its my first time using tumblr and im already writing an essay in the tags </3

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shadowofahope · 2 years

Text

Fallen Star

Pairing: Hyunjin!Driver/bodyguard/alien x princess reader

Warning: Much angst, toxic family, controlling home life.

Premise: A mistake always turning to the stars for an escape. But it turns out the star you had always wished for had fallen right in front of you.

word count: 5.1K

Authors notes: *WARNING* LOVE LETTER INCOMING: I need to give credit to the truly amazing @jiminiesfavouritecolourisblue for being my never ending inspiration for this fic. Honestly, the ideas behind the story and the feel/details of the banner all of it I sneakily asked her questions and then used her answers against her. But in all realness, thank you so much for giving me support in my writing journey. Legit one of my most favourite people in the whole world, so if you have never read anything from her before I highly recommend it. You are missing out on some absolute genius, especially in the angst department!!

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If he thinks he can just marry you off for his benefit he seriously had another thing coming. An arranged marriage to an old man? Did he assume you’d go quietly? Or does he really just not care?

You laugh at yourself. Of course he doesnt. This was a new low, even for him. He couldn’t control you like your siblings so instead of having to deal with you he sells you off the highest bidder. You’d show him how much trouble you could be.

Staring out of the back passenger car window, you watch your breath fog a small part of the cold glass before it recedes. It blocks your view from what you really want to see, so you roll down the window. There’s no clouds in the dark sky tonight, no wind either. But the chilled breeze from the car speeding down the backroads rushes into the car. Making you wish you were driving away from it all and not back to it. You asked the driver to take a long way back, so you could gaze out into a world you only wished to be apart of.

“I’d give anything to escape from here…” You sigh, your mind wandering to the stars above. To what else could be out there. “...to be with the stars.”

“Anything?” A soothing melodic voice travels from the drivers seat. Unbeknownst to you the partition had been lowered.

You let out a startled noise, you knew that voice, and the angelic person who had that voice. That person was not supposed to be driving you tonight. His presence alone would be enough to make you antsy, but in this moment couldn’t have been worse.

“I’m sorry Miss, I didn’t mean to startle you.” He politely directs his worry to you through the rearview mirror.

You make eye contact with him through the reflection as you roll up the window, “No it’s ok. I was lost in thought.”

You can’t maintain staring into his alluring eyes, breaking away you let yourself once again stare at the night landscape.

“I did notice something on your mind when you got in. I know it may not be my place to ask but, is everything ok?”

“Hyunjin, I’ve told you before you can speak freely with me. We are the same age.” You let out an airy chuckle, shaking your head. Your eyes never leaving it’s chosen star.

“I know miss, sometimes I forget.” He laughs cheerfully back at you. “Bad news at dinner?”

“Apparently my hand in marriage has been accepted.” You huff. There’s no point in hiding your annoyance. As much as Hyunjin made the butterflies in your stomach act as thought they had been given some form of accelerant, he was the only one around you that you could talk to like this.

“Marriage?” If you didn’t know any better you’d say there was a bite to his words. “With who?”

“Lord Tun. He’s over twice my age.” You complain bitterly, the dress chosen for you for dinner becoming itchy, a burning sensation lingering. That’s why your parents had bought it for you. To appeal to the mans desires, your hopes of them wanting to buy you something out of the warmth of their heart dashed. You wanted to burn this vile, uncomfortable fabric…not to mention it’s ugly colour against your skin did you no favours. “He originally asked for my older sisters hand in good faith of the new trading merger. But my father said ‘Elise deserves better then he could provide’, so he offered me as substitute. He says it’s my duty.”

You sink back into your seat, quickly looking over to see his reaction. He doesn’t say anything. His eyes stay trained to the road. Maybe he’s just ask shocked as you are? He knows just as anyone working for your family how you are perceived in this world. The accident that could only ever be useless.

Growing up you had tried to follow the rules. You had been called an accident since you were young, and you understood exactly what that implied for you. But still you worked hard to achieve as much as your siblings. At first you had even surpassed them in most areas; quickly you realized just how much that didn’t matter to your parents. It never mattered if your grades were bad, you understood the family politics, you became fluent in every language that your family had ties with, the instruments you played…the list went on. Your place in the family never changed. Your parents still looked at you with a heavy detest in their eyes it eventually shut down your want to appease them.

So you stopped the extra lessons and changed your path. You took up watercolour painting and cooking. Even turning your studies to the stars and universe above you. Your parents never knew because they took no notice.

Infatuation didn’t even cover your love for the science of other galaxies, obsession might be a better word. Spending hours upon hours leisurely reading everything you could on them. A single wish of being able to see it all yourself.

But you were here, on earth, the last place you wanted to be.

“Duty….since when have I ever had a duty to uphold?” Looking to the moon for solace, you let your anger simmer. A hesitant silence looms over you both before he speaks again.

“You are a princess, miss.”

You could feel the bile from your stomach threaten to claw up your throat, “just because I’m a princess doesn’t mean I don’t deserve love.”

👑 👑

“Guards!” Your fathers aggravating voice booms through the castles library hall. The main doors fly open and two large men rush through, you don’t have time to react before they are each grabbing one of your arms. “Escort the princess back to her room.”

“You think locking me up will get me to agree?” Straining against the hard hands on you, you push forward.

“Agreeance or not, you will marry Lord Tun. It’s your choice whether you go peacefully or if I have to drag you the whole way there.” He threatens. His cold eyes trained on your blazing ones. “You should be thankful your life has a purpose, thankful that anyone would be willing to marry you.

“THANKFUL?!” Throat burning, the acidic taste from your stomach makes your voice hoarse. Your legs kick out in fury, shoving at the men surrounding you. “Should I be thankful that my existence means nothing to you?”

“Finally you can be useful to this family.” He slams the book you were studying before he entered onto the table. He’s watching your reaction, the calculation in his eyes making your blood boil. “No more of these ridiculous ventures. They have made you obstinate and disrespectful. Your empty head is only filled with pathetic knowledge, making you unusable in any other way. You owe it to this family to be obedient in this marriage.”

“You know nothing of me!” You scream, throwing your whole body at him. Never in your life have you ever wanted to use violence until this moment, even more so on your father. Your anger numbs you to the pain in your arms, the bruises forming from the two men holding you back. “I owe you NOTHING.”

“You owe me your LIFE.” He barks art you, slamming his foot on the hardwood. This time you do flinch. “And I will do with it as I see fit.”

Adjusting his robes he signals at the guards holding you.

“Take her. Her room shall be locked until I call for her presence.”

As they pull you away, your body goes limp. Every word you thought your parents felt about you had now been expressed out loud. You let them drag you into the room, throwing you onto the bed you catch yourself. Eyes and mind glazing over with tears and rage. But not enough to not hear one of them mumble ‘ungreatful’ under their breath.

The doors slam shut with such force it shakes the paintings on your wall. The loud metal clank of the door locking seals your mouth as you fall onto the bed, angry tears stream down your face as you let yourself give in to exhaustion.

👑 👑

It had been hours since your door was locked, food had been slid in on a silver tray but you had refused to eat it. The anger in your body making your desire for food vanish for the night. When they had collected the still full tray you had attempted to rush whoever was at the door to escape. However, your plans were in vain as there were two guards with the kitchen maid. It felt as though you had run into a wall when you collided with them.

You couldn’t tell how long you had sat there, curled up on the cold marble floor, the only warmth coming from your thin day dress. Tears drying up after admitting to yourself that you were an animal locked in a cage, and that’s all you would ever be. A small canary locked in a desolate, rusty cage watching the bright, endless sky in longing.

The sky had begun to darken through your balcony window, the shadows in your room first receding then becoming new in the moons light. Your glazed eyes only focused on the floor, silence cutting you deeper and deeper as the hours ticked by. Wishing for things that could never happen.

Wishing to be free…free to go where you wanted. Free to see the world, all worlds. Free to love. Love? The image of the beautiful long haired blonde man flashes through the stars in your mind. His slender silhouette in the forefront of your mind appears in the shadows on the floor, not sure if you’re imagining it or if it could be real. Either way you don’t move, you can’t. Body frozen in place.

“Miss?” A soothing concerned voice dances on the still air, stirring you from your trance. Your eyes gradually moving up to the glass doors, now open, the warm air covers you, the delusions of a man you can never be with melts away. The realization is slow to you, leaving the real man in your bedroom.

“Hyunjin?” You croak quietly, voice catching as it feels like it’s tearing through your throat.

He rushes over to you, warm hands cupping your cheeks searching through the depths to find you again.

“I’m here, princess.” He urges, the tone in his voice is something you can’t place, but you’re too lost in your sadness. His presense pulling you out little by little. “You’re not alone.”

Swallowing the saliva collecting in your mouth feels rough but it gives you just enough relief to speak.

“How come when you call me princess it sounds so nice, but from others it sounds like a threat?” Softly chuckling to yourself, you see a glimmer in his eyes. A smile forming on his angelic face. If not for your state of mind, you would never speak like this outloud around him. The butterflies normally causing chaos in your stomach are fluttering with a want to fall deeper into his eyes.

His thumb begins to caress the plump skin on your cheeks, “My princess.”

Realzing you’ve exposed yourself, you begin to feel your body heat up. Embarrassment invades your sense, your cheeks and eyes giving you away.

“What are you doing here?” You whisper, enclosing his hands in yours and pulling them away from your face. Not really letting go of them, for fear of dropping again.

“I have to show you something.” He stares down at your hands on his, hesitantly feeling the soft flesh of your delicate hands.

Hearing footsteps pass by your door, you glance at the menacing wooden behemoths. Do you risk going with him? The possibilities of him being punished for helping you break out of your dim cell are endless. You have no idea what your father would do to him, but whatever it would be would be wishing for death.

Or do you throw all concers away? He risked so much to just come here, he knows how bad this could be…but still he came.

“Will you come with me?” There’s almost a pleading sound in his voice, strained in a way. You look back to him. On his knees infront of you on the marble floor, large hands in yours, dressed in black only with a wish for you to go with him. Something unspoken passes in his eyes, you vaguely see it before it’s gone.

“Yes.” You sound out of breath when you finally answer. His smile knocking the wind out of you. He jumps to his feet, pulling you up with him, never letting go as he runs the both of you to the balcony. You peer over the edge, 3 stories down is the lush green grass and flower beds. You assumed he had climbed up something, but you see nothing he could have used.

“How-?” You cut yourself off, dry laugh stopping you from even finishing your thought. From all the times you’ve known Hyunjin you’ve learned not to ask. Somethings about him could be explained, but others seemed too impossible to try.

“Do you trust me?” He dead pans for a moment before raising an eyebrow to you.

“Always.”

If tonight was the last night you could be yourself, to truly let yourself feel things you never let yourself before, then no more acting coy. No more covering it up. Honesty for one night, before the rest of your life lying, lies entrapping you to be who your family demanded of you.

He steps up onto the stone edge of the balcony, hand reaching out to help you alongside him. You don’t hesitate as you follow him up. The height dizzying you, you clasp harder onto him. He lets out a small laugh as his arms reach around you, one around your back and the other under your legs.

You squeak in surprise. You had not been expecting to be carried bridal style in this situation. Your arms loop around his neck, staring at him in disbelief.

“Still trust me?” Mischief cracks onto his features.

“Al~wa~ys~” You dare him.

“Close your eyes then.” He whispers into your ear, to which you do so. Now whether that was from the closeness of his voice and breath on your skin or just following commands, you didn’t know.

Regardless, before you can even process you feel a rush of wind race past you, your body feeling momentarily light before gravity restarted.

“It’s time to run princess.” His soft voice sings. You peer one eye open, the other quickly following when see that you are now on the grass. No questions, you warn yourself. He gently places you back on your feet, this time it’s you who extends your hand for him to take before running off into the surrounding forest.

You don’t know where you’re running, but it doesn’t matter. Everything that’s happening in these past moments, could all be a dream. Even if this turns out ot be one for now you would fully embrace it. Before long he’s overtaking you, his enchanting laugh fills your ears as he directs you deeper and deeper into the wooded dangerous area. The light of the moon beaks through the tops of the trees, your lunges inflating with an air you had missed.

You both burst through the tree line, illuminated by the stars and moon is a small clearing. A pond reflects back the night sky creating even more of an endless illusion. You walk past him as he slows, dropping his hand to full take in all that is around you. For the first time in what feels like forever your heart feels full, full of life, full of wonder, full of joy.

Your breath stops, heart beats wildly when you look to him. His hair even more golden by the moon, skin so smooth like diamond, eyes showing exactly what you see when you gaze upwards. You can’t think of what to say…. There’s so much unknown about him, so much more that you want to know. Trying to regain your thoughts when he appears like this proves futile.

“Would you honour me with a dance princess?” He bows, before reaching out a hand. You can’t help but laugh, thoughts returning to you.

“You’re supposed to be showing me something” You squint at him, smirk on your face.

He steps up to you, his breath on your skin makes you shudder. Closer then you thought you could have, but not close enough to what you wanted.

“One dance” His pointer finger shows the number as he pouts cutely at you.

“One.” You agree, giving in all too easy.

He takes a step back to allow himself room to offer you his hand. His smile taking a mischievous turn, you laugh as you accept it. Instantly the subdued butterflies are beginning to become jittery as they normally do when he is close to you.

Pulling you close he wraps his other arm around you, you fight against the sound wanting to announce your inner thoughts as his body becomes flush with yours. You remember yourself enough to lift your arm to rest on his shoulder. He starts you both off in a casual step, occasional spins making you feel more light headed… maybe it wasn’t the spins….becuase when you come back to him, his smile is blinding.

The dance becomes more complex, lifts and turns you’ve never done before. But here, in his arms it all seems familiar. Every move playfully calculated by him to make you laugh, to make you feel giddy and light. This is a moment you’ve only seen in your dreams, but somehow it’s real.

The warmth of his hand on your lower back. The firm safety of his arm around you. The sturdy comfort of his chest pressed to yours. You’re too afraid to blink, terrified to miss a single moment. A moment that could come crashing to an end in a split second.

A slow dip takes you by surprise as he pulls you back up this time faces only inches apart, his face aglow with a purple light. The whole clearing is now covered in purple. He keeps you close, continuing to dance with you eyes locked on your reactions. Your mind is spinning, confusion on how there could be light this far in. Curiosity gets the better of you, tilting your head back to look up.

In that moment, every unexplainable thing about Hyunjin is no longer out of your grasp. A purple beam of light trails straight out and down of the bottom of what to appears as a circular ship. Decorated with many white lights and grey features you cannot see in the midst of the shadows it is making on itself.

“It’s …” He slows your dance as he waits for your response. You don’t even register the fear in his trembling figure as you step back. Breaking contact to observe more carefully.

“It’s beautiful” A smile from your heart appears on your face, eyes showing the purple lights dancing in them. Everything you wanted to escape was right there, even if you weren’t meant to leave, your dreams of it existing was something astonishing.

“You’re beautiful.”

You feel your heart constrict. The heaviness now returning. Reality of what this meant for you…for him..for you both setting in.

“I see you.” Is all you can manage to say, body betraying you as tears stream down your face. He’s with you in an instant, cupping your face adn wiping them away.

“You see what I truly am. But you don’t know my heart. Not yet,” The pleading in his eyes returns. His voice shaking as he speaks. “The only reason i stayed, the only reason I took this job. Was to stay close to you, I adored the way you were. I wanted to be able to watch you become something magnificent. But I can’t let you go without telling you….”

“Telling you how much I love you.”

One sentence from him simultaneously breaks your heart and heals all of your past, in an instant. Choking on your tears you can’t find words. As much as you loved him, could you accept that he wasn’t from your world? Could you run away from your life and family just liked you always dreamed? Did you love him enough? Did you truly know what love was?

“You don’t have to say anything. Please just listen to my last request-” You can only nod at him. “In two days time I have to leave, I have to go back home to my planet, but I want you to come with me. I want to give you everything in this universe and more.”

Your wide eyes stricken with panic fill with more tears. He’s leaving? But he wants you to go with him… You didn’t know what to do.

“No, no, don’t panic.” He reads your emotions quickly. “I’ll be here before I leave, I can wait till then for your answer. I won-”

“Princess!” An angry dark shout breaks the moment, dreadful silence following after.

The ships lights turn out and it disappears completely, before you’re brain has time to catch up.

“There looking for me.” Now panic for a different reason rises. Your eyes dart around the edges of the clearing. Nothing visible yet, there’s still time. “You need to run.”

“What? No, princess.” His face morphing to confusion and concern.

“Please? For me, run. I don’t want you to get hurt.” You beg, holding his hands to your chest. To let him feel the calm stray rhythm of your heart. “Besides what can they do to me? Lock me in a room and marry me off to some old guy?”

Your joke lacks any humour, as you both know what your asking him to do.

“I promise to think about it, I promise to give you an answer, but you need to run.” You’re mind set, watching the emotions play through his eyes. “Please?”

He kisses your forehead before retreating back, the voices getting angrier as they approach.

“I’ll be here. I’ll wait.” He takes off running.

You become breathless as a cluster of Guards find you alone in the clearing. “You better feel lucky that we found you when we did, you’re father was demanding your head at one point.”

You roll your eyes as you’re dragged back to the castle, steeling yourself for the punishment you were about to recieve.

👑 👑

“I hate this colour…” You mumble to yourself, staring at the ballgown chosen by your family. Not only was it a colour you didn’t like, but it has a terrible silhouette, uncomfortable material, but it was also to mark you as the bride to be tonight.

You tsk angrily at it once again as you saunter over to your window. Barred balcony doors now only letting you catch a glimpse of the night sky.

A night had already passed since you were seized and detained at the palace again. He said he’d wait for you, but you had no way of getting there. No way of sending any sign of your situation. And of course tonight of all nights Lord Tun and your parents had decided would be the engagement party.

A knock at your door tears you away from your angry stupor.

“Come in.” You call, unmoving. You hear the door creak open and rustling drawing near.

“Princess, a gift has been delivered to you.” One of your families longterm maids informs you. She was the only person in this retched place that had any pity and remorse towards you. She learned quickly to never show it infront of your family, but you knew she was always worried for you.

“What is it?” You question, a gift? Who would send you a gift? “A dress?”

She hangs the large garment bag from the clothing rack. Unzipping the white cloth and revealing the most beautiful gown you had ever seen. Layers upon layers of a soft grey material, in sections almost seeming black incredibly detailed with silver lining. Sparkles catching the light upon every movement, dusted over the whole gown but concentrated around the hem. It was like stars in the night sky.

“Who?”

“I would assume the boy that sees the stars in you.” She offers. “I may be old, but I am not blind.”

“Do you think it’s too late?”

She contemplates your question only for a moment before giving a devilish smile, “I say, give them one hell of a show and start running.”

👑 🛸🪐

Running up each step, you’d lost your shoes long ago, dress hicked up so you won’t have to worry about tripping. You can’t afford to let anything slow you down, can’t look back.

You swing the wood door open to the maids quarters, the metal key on the bed as she said it would be. Dashing through through the chamber you grab the cold key, palms sweaty you hold it to your chest. Your feet are numb to the pain of fleeing the Engagment party. You turn down corridor after corridor, evading everyone frantically searching for you.

Your lungs burn from not taking in enough air, but you ignore it. Nothing would stop you from getting out of this palace. Nothing.

So close are you to the hidden back door, the door only the maids know about. Your only true escape route.

There was no way you’d be forgiven for the scene you caused at the party. Making a grand entrance in the dress he left for you. The anger in your heart you finally spoke allowed, watching as the perfect faces cracked as your voice words assaulted them like a flaming train wreck. Maybe flipping the cake onto your parents as you ran past them was on the petty side, but by the stars it made you feel better.

The shelving unit that hides the door comes into sight. Crashing into it, you push it aside, arms trembling with exhaustion. The key smoothly slides in the door, flinging it open you’re overwhelmed with the cool night air. Grabbing your skirt once again you waste no time. You take off running towards the clearing you have not been able to forget. The secret memories you’ve held onto for so long, flood your mind as you break the outer tree line.

Late nights sneaking out the court yards to watch the young boy train with the others. The pretty, soft face your butterflies first took flight for. His limbs long and thin, making him look awkward as he tried to keep up. You’d laugh at his endearing attempts, but your heart stirred. Eventually he grew into himself, his body being lean with muscle, every move becoming sure and strong. With that more fascination grew.

Sneaking around to catch glimpses of his combat training weren't enough. When he took on the roll of driver you were beside yourself when you found out he would be your alternate driver on occasions. That in itself made you show up at more family events, much to your dismay and parents approval of appearances. But having him for any moment for yourself made all the nights worth it.

Catching any sight of him in the palace walls made the torment more bearable. The first time you had a real conversation on a drive back from an event you thought for sure the beating in your heart could be heard from the backseat. Swallowing down the involuntary need to stutter or rush your words out in fear of saying something abrasive. But the more he spoke the more you wanted to listen, and the more he encouraged you to speak as well.

The feeling of normality but in something so extraordinary.

Everything in you is screaming in pain as you finally close in on the clearing. Your feet bleeding from the forest floor, lungs on fire, fatigue wearing on you. Still you hope on everything in this world he is there. Waiting for you.

Bursting through the thick trees, you see his figure standing in the middle of the grassy plane.

“Hyunjin!” You manage to scream, although it comes out hoarse and the burn bites back.

He turns to you just in time for you to lunch yourself at him, arms wrapping around his neck. You feel him freeze in shock for a moment then his arms wrap around your torso. He holds you incredibly close.

“Princess” He whispers into your hair, inhaling your scent as he tightens around you. You lean into him but shift to try to take the pain off of your feet, now that you’ve made it your mind and body are catching up with eachother.

He notices instantly, pulling back to look you up and down. You dress had ripped at the hem, must have caught on something as you were running. Because of the rip he can see you bloody feet. He kneels down infront of you, lifting one with a feather light touch to examine it.

“Are you in much pain?” The concern in his voice and his skin on yours, even how small it is, makes you feel as though you could dance forever.

“Not now.” You shake your head. He continues to look at the torn skin.”I see what you are…”

He freezes, eyes widening up at you.

“I know you are not from here, but far away.” You continue. “And that is a scary thought.”

You take a deep breath as his eyes start to swim with panic.

“But you are still you, no matter where you’re from.” You smile, letting your heart sing fully for the first time. “I don’t need the universe. All I need is you. So wherever you go, I shall go too.”

Instantly the clearing fill with purple light again, it surprises you to look up. The same ship as before hovers over you, the beam in a circular perimeter around you both. You study it in awe, forgetting yourself and the man infront of you.

Your curiosity is broken when he sweeps you off your feet, like that night, when he broke you out. You release a startled squeak, holding onto him now feels like second nature.

“My princess.” He coos at you, eyes shimmering with the stars in your heart.

“Yes. Your princess.” You breath as he leans in, soft lips gently brushing against yours. The lights around you becoming too bright to keep your eyes open. His electricity and heat course through you and you know that you’ve left this world behind.

All those nights wishing on shooting stars didn’t amount to anything, you should have wished on a fallen one.

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